This is a randomized placebo-controlled trial to examine the efficacy of two-week bright light therapy for patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue.
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 Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
12
Exposure to bright light therapy for 30mins a day for two weeks
Exposure to 50lux dim red light therapy for 30mins a day for two weeks
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Change of fatigue symptoms
Change in the score of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). BFI ranges from 0 to 90, higher scales indicates more severe fatigue
Time frame: at 2 weeks (at the end of treatment)
Change of insomnia symptoms
The change in the score of Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), which ranges from 0-28, higher score indicates higher severity of insomnia
Time frame: at 2 weeks (at the end of treatment)
Change of depressive symptoms
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
Time frame: at 2 weeks (at the end of treatment)
Change of anxiety symptoms
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
Time frame: at 2 weeks (at the end of treatment)
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