Pausing post-COVID fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common and disruptive symptoms of Long COVID. It causes deep physical exhaustion, brain fog, and poor concentration. Researchers at Newcastle University are studying whether a simple, handheld nerve stimulation device can help. The device is a modified TENS machine that sends gentle electrical pulses to the vagus nerve through a small clip on the ear. The vagus nerve helps control heart rate, breathing, and body inflammation. Scientists believe stimulating this nerve might reset an overactive nervous system and reduce fatigue. Participants will use the device at home for part of the 16-week study, wear health monitors, and complete questionnaires. Half of the participants start with the real stimulation, while others start with a comparison treatment before switching, meaning everyone gets a chance to try the active stimulation.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many people recovering from COVID-19 experience lasting, severe tiredness known as post-COVID fatigue. This is not ordinary tiredness that goes away with a good night's sleep. It often includes physical exhaustion, muscle weakness, and mental fatigue like brain fog and memory problems. Researchers believe this happens because the viral infection affects the body's autonomic nervous system, which controls basic daily functions like heart rate, digestion, and the immune response.
A key player in this system is the vagus nerve, a long nerve running from the brain through the neck and chest down into the abdomen. It acts like a natural brake on inflammation. In recent years, doctors have discovered that stimulating this nerve with gentle electrical signals can help treat conditions like epilepsy and certain headaches. It may also calm body-wide inflammation and relieve fatigue.
Traditionally, vagus nerve stimulation required surgery or neck devices. However, a small branch of the vagus nerve reaches the skin of the outer ear. This study tests whether using a small, safe, battery-powered device called a TENS machine to stimulate the ear can safely reduce post-COVID fatigue at home.
Key takeaways
- Tests a simple, handheld ear-clip device to treat post-COVID fatigue at home.
- Aimed at adults aged 18 to 64 who had COVID-19 managed at home at least four weeks ago.
- Lasts 16 weeks, with clinic visits at Newcastle University and daily use at home.
- Every participant is guaranteed to receive eight weeks of the active stimulation.
- Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Who may be eligible?
You may be able to join this study if you are an adult aged 18 to 64 who caught COVID-19 at least four weeks ago and did not need hospital treatment. You must be experiencing ongoing fatigue that is affecting your day-to-day life, and be fluent in English.
You will not be able to participate if you have a history of serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, previous heart attacks, or irregular heart rhythms. People with implanted medical devices like pacemakers cannot take part because electrical pulses can interfere with them.
You are also not eligible if you are pregnant, or if you have a history of diagnosed neurological conditions (like epilepsy or stroke) or significant psychiatric disorders.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am between 18 and 64 years old.
- I had a confirmed COVID-19 infection at least 4 weeks ago.
- I did not need to be admitted to hospital for COVID-19.
- I am currently struggling with lasting fatigue or brain fog.
- I do not have a pacemaker, heart condition, or history of seizures.
- I am not pregnant and can travel to Newcastle for clinic visits.
What does participation involve?
Taking part lasts for 16 weeks. At your first visit to Newcastle University, researchers will check your health, collect blood samples, and test your nervous system. You will receive a wearable fitness patch and a smartphone to track your activity and symptoms at home for one week.
At week two, you will be shown how to use the handheld ear stimulation device at home. You will be randomly placed into one of three groups to receive either the active ear stimulation or a control stimulation. You will use the device daily following clear instructions and return the wearable monitors after a few weeks.
At week eight, you will have a review visit. If you were in a control group, you will switch over to the active treatment for the remaining eight weeks. This means every participant gets to try the active nerve stimulation. You will attend a final check-up at week 16 to see how your symptoms and body have responded.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Newcastle UniversityApproximateNewcastle upon Tyne, England
Common questions
Does the electrical ear stimulation hurt?
No, it should not be painful. Most people feel a mild, comfortable tingling or buzzing sensation on their earlobe or outer ear.
Will I definitely receive the real treatment?
Yes. While some participants start with a dummy or comparison treatment for the first eight weeks, everyone switches over to the active nerve stimulation for the final eight weeks.
Do I have to live near Newcastle to take part?
You will need to visit Newcastle University in person for health assessments at the start, at week 8, and at week 16, so being able to travel there is necessary.
Can I keep taking my normal medications?
Usually yes, but you should discuss all medicines and supplements you take with the study team before joining.
Is the device safe to use at home by myself?
Yes. The device is a standard, battery-powered TENS machine. The study team will provide full training and set the device safely before you take it home.
How to find out more
Maria Germann
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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