Many patients recovering from Covid-19 develop sequelae related to the disease. In addition to lung issues, symptoms of Post-Covid/Long-Covid Syndrome include fatigue, brain fog, amyosthenia, insomnia, anxiety and depression. These symptoms play a major role in post-Covid patients recovery.~CES (Cranial electrotherapy stimulation) is a non-invasive therapy using low intensity alternating current applied through electrodes attached to the ear lobe.~CES has been used to improve the condition of non covid patients suffering from depression, anxiety, fatigue and cognitive disabilities. This is thought to be due to a change in electric waves of the brain with an increase of alpha-waves and a decrease of beta- and delta-waves, as well as a change of concentration of neurotransmitters, e.g. beta-endorphin or serotonin.~Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of CES in addition to normal PR, compared to PR alone on symptoms (e.g. anxiety) in post-Covid patients.~Hypothesis: Three weeks of PR including daily use of CES for one hour will have a positive effect on symptoms of anxiety.~Trial: 40 patients post-Covid reffered to inpatient PR will be recruited and allocated to one of two different groups. Group1: Anxious participants, Group 2: Non anxious participants. Within groups particpants will be randomized to intervention or control/sham. Intervention group will be using a functional device, and the other using a non-functional, SHAM device.~Anxiety is evaluated using the Beck anxiety inventory on admission and at discharge from PR.~Questionnaires to evaluate fatigue, depression and insomnia are the Fatigue Assessment Scale, PHQ-9, PSQI).~A diary will be kept by each participant with a log of general health and mood over the PR program.
The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), for one hour a day over 3 weeks pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on symptoms of anxiety in post-Covid patients.