The effect of laser acupuncture on immunomodulation and dyspnea in post-COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Introduction: Post-COVID-19 syndrome is characterized by post-viral chronic fatigue syndrome and multi-organ complications. The typical clinical symptoms are exhaustion, dyspnea, and chest pain. This study examines the effect of laser acupuncture (LA), involving the use of laser treatment on acupuncture points, on boosting immunity and reducing the inflammatory symptoms in patients with post-COVID syndrome. Material and methods: A total of 80 patients of both sexes with post-COVID symptoms were enrolled. They were randomly divided into the LA group (n = 40), which received LA three times/week for 12 weeks, and a placebo group (n = 40) which received sham LA. The following measures were taken for both groups before and after the study: total lymphocyte count (TLC), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), dyspnea using the modified Medical Research Counseling Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), and fatigue using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ-11). Results: The LA group showed a significant elevation in TLC (p < 0.001) as well as a significant reduction in IL-6 levels, dyspnea, and fatigue (p < 0.001). The placebo group demonstrated a significant increase in TLC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of lasers at particular acupuncture points related to lung and immunity showed promising results in ameliorating the typical main symptoms post-COVID, including chronic fatigue and dyspnea.