Bright Light Therapy for Post-COVID-19 Fatigue
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
This is a randomized placebo-controlled trial to examine the efficacy of two-week bright light therapy for patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Detailed Description
This randomized placebo-controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of BLT in reducing fatigue symptoms after COVID-19 infection. The second aim of the study is to explore the effects of BLT on insomnia, depression and anxiety symptoms.
Method: Each eligible participant will be randomized to either i) bright light therapy (BLT) or ii) dim red light (placebo) treatment for 30-minutes daily at their habitual wake time for a total of two weeks. Participants will be evaluated at baseline, 2nd (end of treatment), and 4th week (post-treatment 2-week) for fatigue and other symptoms.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Experimental: Bright light therapy 10,000lux bright light |
Device: Bright light therapy
Exposure to bright light therapy for 30mins a day for two weeks
|
| Experimental: Placebo group 50 lux dim red light |
Device: Dim red light therapy
Exposure to 50lux dim red light therapy for 30mins a day for two weeks
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Change of fatigue symptoms [at 2 weeks (at the end of treatment)]
Change in the score of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). BFI ranges from 0 to 90, higher scales indicates more severe fatigue
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Change of insomnia symptoms [at 2 weeks (at the end of treatment)]
The change in the score of Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), which ranges from 0-28, higher score indicates higher severity of insomnia
- Change of depressive symptoms [at 2 weeks (at the end of treatment)]
The change in the score of Patient Health Questionnaire -9 item (PHQ-9), which ranges from 0-27, with higher score indicates greater severity of depressive symptoms
- Change of anxiety symptoms [at 2 weeks (at the end of treatment)]
The change in the score of Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), which ranges from 0-21, with higher score indicates greater severity of anxiety symptoms
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
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Age 18 or above
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Capable to give informed consent
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COVID-19 infection confirmed by PCR test or a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) with onset of at least three months
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Reports new onset or exacerbation of fatigue after onset of COVID-19 and lasted for over two months
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Scoring 7 or above for the item "worst level of fatigue during the last 24 hours" in the Brief Fatigue Inventory
Exclusion Criteria:
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A current or past history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental disorder, organic mental disorder; intellectual disabilities or substance use disorder.
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Presence of contraindications to bright light therapy: for example, history of light induced migraine/ epilepsy; current use of photosensitizing medications; presence of eye disease: e.g. retinal blindness, severe cataract, glaucoma.
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Significant medical condition/ hearing impairment/ speech deficit leading to incapability of completing clinical interview.
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Regular shift-workers
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Trans-meridian flight in the past 3 months and during the study
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Currently receiving any structured psychotherapy
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Self-reported untreated sleep disorders (e.g. severe insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome), psychiatric illness (e.g. depression), or medical conditions associated with fatigue (e.g. anemia, heart failure, autoimmune disorders)
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Enrolment in another clinical trial of an investigational medicinal product or device.
Contacts and Locations
Locations
No locations specified.Sponsors and Collaborators
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
Investigators
None specified.Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- 2022.359