Abstract

Background: Observational studies confirm the high incidence of postCOVID-19-syndrome (PCS) after infection with SARSCOV2, which can occur in 10-15% of all infected person. A substantial percentage of PCS patients convert into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The aim of this study is to investigate effects of a combined therapy of acupressure and Qigong on parameters of fatigue in patients with PCS. Methods: ACUQiG is an open, two-arm randomized controlled single center trial with mixed methods approach. The intervention group (n=100) receive a daily self-massage of selected acupressure points over 8 weeks and follow twice weekly a live online Qigong course over 8 weeks whereas the control group (n=100) is a waiting-group. All patients continue routine care and receive advice on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). The primary outcome will be the change in the physical function subscale from the SF-36 at week 8. Secondary outcomes at week 8 and week 16: fatigue severity, post-exertional-malaise severity, disease-related quality of life, depressiveness, headache, sleep quality, hand grip strength, lung function, heart rate analysis during orthostasis, and neurocognitive outcomes regarding concentration and attention. A nested qualitative study will be performed with 10 - 12 patients about subjective experiences of the disease and the expectations, experiences and perceived effects of the interventions. Expected Outcomes: The results of this study will show if patients with PCS could benefit from a combined therapeutic intervention consisting of selfapplied acupressure and Qigong when added to routine care and CAM advice. 

Trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov identifier: NCT05289154, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05289154. First registered 21.03.2022.