Can a daily spleen zap ease long COVID fatigue?
NCT ID NCT06189066
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This completed pilot study tested a daily ultrasound device applied to the spleen for 8 weeks in 15 adults with Long COVID. The goal was to see if it safely improves symptoms like fatigue, pain, and brain fog. Researchers measured walking endurance and fatigue levels before and after treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ultrasound device applied to the spleen
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to ease Long COVID symptoms like fatigue and brain fog.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very small pilot study with only 15 people and no comparison group, so results may not be reliable or apply to everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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15 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2024
- Finished
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Jul 2025
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18-65 years at the time of enrollment 2. Prior diagnosis of COVID-19 by report, PCR, or home kit 3. Symptoms present for 12 or more weeks that are independent prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection including fatigue and one or more of: 1. Myalgia or general aches/pains 2. Joint pain 3. Dizziness/lightheadedness 4. Cognitive dysfunction (brain fog) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Candidate who is unable or unwilling to postpone taking new medications used for treating Long COVID during the study period 2. Candidate that is currently taking immune modifying medications and unable to maintain stable levels of their immune medication regimen throughout the study period 3. History of intubation secondary to COVID-19 4. ICU admission for COVID-19 5. Pre-existing Lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), or severe asthma 6. Pregnant 7. History of coronary artery disease (CAD) 8. History of stroke 9. History of severe anemia of hemoglobin less than 8 g/dl 10. Prior history of Lyme disease 11. Prior history cognitive impairment 12. Any non-marijuana drug abuse history within 30 days 13. Current use of an investigational drug 14. History of prior myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) 15. History of alcohol abuse: greater than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink for females 16. Prior history of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) 17. Chronic fatigue secondary to any condition other than COVID-19. 18. Fibromyalgia 19. History of prior chronic pain 20. History of chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis 21. History of splenic pathology such as spleen infarct/splenomegaly 22. History of splenectomy 23. History of Sickle disease with splenic pathology 24. Taking non-approved treatments for Long COVID 25. Participant does not speak English 26. Participant is an active member of the military (service member) or DoD personnel (including civilian employees) 27. Any other clinical reasons deemed by the investigators of the study in which the patient would not be an appropriate candidate for the study
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Minnesota - Phillips-Wangensteen Building
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a brain zapping headset restore focus after long COVID?
- Mindfulness may offer relief for long COVID sufferers
- Can wearables decode the mystery of fatigue?
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