This proposal aims to understand the neurobiological mechanisms of fatigue in individuals with Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC). This knowledge will eventually provide candidate mechanisms to target with pharmacological intervention and inform rehabilitative care for those individuals suffering from symptoms of fatigue in PASC.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
200
Participants will perform a physically demanding task (grip force exertion task) repeatedly to induce physical fatigue.
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
RECRUITINGComparison between PASC and HC - difference in mean Assessment Error
The difference between the level of effort rated by participants, and their average grip force exerted on a grip force dynamometer. Compared between PASC and HC.
Time frame: Baseline, during experimental protocol.
Comparing between PASC and HC - difference in BBB permeability
Collected from and MRI sequence designed to measure BBB permeability.
Time frame: Baseline, during MRI acquisition.
Comparing between PASC and HC - Regions of the brain that are sensitive to Assessment error as a function of disease state
We will examine an fMRI contrast, at the time of effort assessment, between HC and PASC groups. This contrast will examine percent signal change in brain activity.
Time frame: Baseline, during experimental protocol.
The modulatory effect of BBB permeability on the relationship between Neural Activity and Effort Assessment
We will create a structural equation model that includes BBB permeability, fMRI activity, effort assessment behavior, and disease state (PASC/HC).
Time frame: Baseline, during experimental protocol and MRI aquisition.
Comparing between PASC and HC - Difference in momentary subjective fatigue ratings
Measures of subjective fatigue will be collected on self report scale that ranges from 'not fatigued at all' to 'very fatigued'.
Time frame: Baseline and during fatiguing exertions in the experimental protocol.
Comparing between PASC and HC - Difference in Mean Acceptance Rate of Risky Effort Options between rested/baseline and fatigue choices
Proportion of decisions in which inviduals choice to accept a risky effort opitions over a sure effort option.
Time frame: Baseline and during fatiguing exertions in the experimental protocol.
Vikram Chib, PhD
CONTACT
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Comparing between PASC and HC - Regions of the brain encoding a difference in effort cost between rested/baseline and fatigue choices
We will examine a contrast between chosen effort value pre versus post fatigue, between the HC and PASC groups. This contrast will examine percent signal change in brain activity.
Time frame: Baseline and during fatiguing exertions in the experimental protocol.
The modulatory effect of BBB permeability on the relationship between Neural Activity and change effort-based decision-making
We will create a structural equation model that includes BBB permeability, fMRI activity, change in effort-based decision-making, and disease state (PASC/HC).
Time frame: Baseline, fatigueing exertion, and during experimental protocol and MRI aquisition
Comparing between PASC and HC - Difference in mean assessment error as a function of time
The difference between the level of effort rated by participants, and their average grip force exerted on a grip force dynamometer. Compared between PASC and HC.
Time frame: Data collections at months 0, 3, 6, 12
Comparing between PASC and HC - Difference in momentary subjective fatigue ratings as a function of time
Measures of subjective fatigue will be collected on self report scale that ranges from 'not fatigued at all' to 'very fatigued'.
Time frame: Data collections at months 0, 3, 6, 12
Comparing between PASC and HC - difference in BBB permeability as a function of time
Collected from and MRI sequence designed to measure BBB permeability.
Time frame: Data collections at months 0, 3, 6, 12
Comparing between PASC and HC - Regions of the brain that are sensitive to Assessment error as a function of disease state and time
We will examine a contrast, at the time of effort assessment, between HC and PASC groups, and use time as a covariate. This contrast will examine percent signal change in brain activity.
Time frame: Data collections at months 0, 3, 6, 12