Enhanced External Counterpulsation Improves Cognitive Function of Persons with Long COVID

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) in patients with long COVID and objectively assessed cognitive impairment. Design A retrospective evaluation of long COVID patients referred for EECP, with cognitive sequela, and having completed an objective digital assessment before and after therapy. Patients had either cognitive impairment (CI) or no cognitive impairment (NCI) at baseline. We assessed changes in composite score using multi-factor ANOVA. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate several independent variables. Results 80 long COVID patients (38 CI vs 42 NCI) were included for analyses. All baseline characteristics were well matched. There was significant improvement in composite score post-EECP in those with objective cognitive impairment at baseline. There were no notable documented safety concerns. Conclusion This is the first study showing that EECP led to significant improvement in cognitive functioning of long COVID patients with objectively defined cognitive impairment. Although a lack of a negative control group is a limitation of this study, EECP appears to be highly safe and effective with the potential for widespread application.