A WEARABLE Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device significantly alleviates pain, fatigue, and mobility issues in long COVID patients, according to a new study. The research highlights TENS technology’s potential as a non-invasive tool for managing long COVID-19 symptoms.
The study, conducted by UCLA and Baylor College of Medicine, evaluated the efficacy of a wearable TENS device on 25 participants experiencing long COVID symptoms, including chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and impaired mobility. Long COVID, affecting approximately 1 in 13 adults in the UK, continues to disrupt daily life for many. TENS therapy employs low-voltage electrical currents to ease pain and fatigue, offering a promising, user-friendly solution for individuals managing these symptoms.
Participants were randomly assigned to either an active TENS group or a placebo group, using the devices for three to five hours daily over four weeks. Measurements of pain levels, fatigue, and walking performance revealed that those in the active TENS group experienced a 26.1% greater reduction in pain compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the active group improved walking performance by 8% during fast-paced tasks. The wearable device’s design facilitated consistent use, integrating seamlessly into daily routines. Furthermore, participants in the high-dose group reported a 71.2% perceived benefit, compared to 61.4% in the placebo group.
The study concludes that wearable TENS devices can effectively address some of the most disruptive symptoms of long COVID, with the added advantage of being easy to use in daily life. While the findings underscore the promise of TENS technology, the researchers acknowledge the study’s limited sample size and recommend further research to validate these outcomes and explore broader applications. For instance, the device may also benefit individuals with similar symptoms from other chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia or chemotherapy side effects.
Clinicians should consider wearable TENS devices as a supplementary treatment option for managing long COVID-related symptoms. Future studies may enhance understanding of its potential to improve quality of life for patients with persistent fatigue, pain, and mobility challenges.
Reference
Zulbaran-Rojas A et al. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for fibromyalgia-like syndrome in patients with Long-COVID: a pilot randomized clinical trial. Sci Rep. 2024;14:27224.
