Acupuncture for Memory and Thinking Problems in Long COVID
Tests acupuncture against sham acupuncture in adults with long COVID.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: The Effect of Acupuncture Treatment on Cognitive Functions and Brain Networks for Long COVID
Key facts
- Where
- Chengdu, ChinaSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Source: NCT07355751, who can take part
Where in China
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengdu, ChinaNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Tingting Luo
- Trial code
- NCT07355751
- Record updated
- 21 January 2026
- Original description
Background of study:Read full original descriptionShow less
The Effect of Acupuncture Treatment on Cognitive Functions and Brain Networks for Long COVID: a Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Background of study:
Long COVID(LC) is a prevalent sequalae of SARS-CoV-2 infection and can affect multiple organ systems. Cognitive dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms in LC with 22% prevalence. It can persist for years and significantly reduce patients' quality of life. Brain network is the neural basis underlying human cognitive processes. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI) research has revealed that alterations of network characteristics were associated with cognitive impairments across attention, memory, executive function and language in LC. Currently, there is no accepted therapy for cognitive impairment in LC. Acupuncture, as a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy, has potential to improve cognitive deficits for LC. However, research focusing on the impact of acupuncture on cognitive functions in LC is rare. Additionally, no one has evaluated the mechanism of acupuncture improving cognitive functions in LC.
Objective of the study:
This study aims to assess the effect of acupuncture treatment on cognitive function and explore the central mechanism of acupuncture therapy in improving cognitive function for LC using cognitive assessments, DTI and resting-state fMRI.
Study design:
A prospective, three-armed, randomized controlled trial with DTI and rs-fMRI. Adults with LC will be randomly assigned to acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waitlist control group in a 1:1:1 ratio, receiving 8-week intervention or waiting. Cognitive function and topological attributes of brain networks will be examined at baseline and 8th week.
Study population:
Patients fulfilling World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for LC will be included in this study.
Inclusion: Age 18-60 years; Fulfilling WHO criteria for long COVID; History of confirmed COVID-19 through RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swab or antigen test of nasal swab ; Having subjective cognitive problems; Native Chinese speakers; Right handedness; Voluntary to participate in the study and signing the informed consent form.
Exclusion: Previous or current diagnosis of chronic conditions that may affect cognitive performances (such as neurological, psychiatric disorders, organ failure, chronic infectious diseases); Prior loss of consciousness; Long-term use of drugs that may influence cognition(such as tranquilizer, antidepressant, immunosuppressor); Previous acupuncture treatment within 3 months; Preexisting cognitive symptoms before COVID-19; History of major surgery within a year; Sensory disorders(deafness, color blindness); Involvement of other clinical study within 4 weeks; Obesity(BMI≥28); Limb dysfunction; Metal implantation; Claustrophobia; Pregnancy or lactation.