Can Muse S help long COVID symptoms? A 180-day study reveals the data
Living with long COVID can feel like running on empty.
Brain fog, poor sleep, anxiety, and exhaustion often linger for months, making everyday life harder to manage [1].
Even though there is an estimated 17 million people in the U.S. alone who developed long COVID in 2023 [2], it still lacks consistent, effective treatment. More than 20% of people who’ve had COVID-19 experience long-term symptoms, yet many are left without clear support or solutions [3].
While many continue searching for a relief, a recent peer-reviewed clinical study offers a potential step forward [4]. Published in the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, researchers tested whether the Muse S headband, combined with daily meditation, could help ease symptoms of long COVID.
In short: The results showed measurable improvements across key symptoms.
Could this simple, at-home neurofeedback practice support recovery from long COVID for thousands?
Putting Muse to the test in a clinical setting
The study included 45 participants living with long COVID. Many reported ongoing symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, brain fog, and low mood—issues that had persisted for months despite other treatments.
To test a potential solution, researchers introduced a structured neurofeedback-based meditation protocol using Muse S.
Each participant used the Muse S headband at home for a 10-minute meditation session daily for 90 days, receiving real-time EEG-based neurofeedback. This was the standard Muse biofeedback experience—using the device’s existing features to measure brain activity and deliver instant audio cues that help users stay focused and relaxed.
After this period, participants entered a 90-day observation period without intervention. Throughout the study, they completed regular self-assessments using validated questionnaires to track changes in sleep, fatigue, mood, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.
The goal: To evaluate whether consistent, at-home use of Muse could reduce long COVID symptoms like stress, fatigue, quality of life, anxiety, cognition and focus (brain fog), resilience, and poor sleep.
The impact of Muse S on long COVID symptoms
The study reported statistically significant improvements in several long COVID symptoms following consistent use of Muse S. Researchers uncovered the following findings:
Cognitive function
Many participants started the study with brain fog—difficulty focusing, remembering, or thinking clearly. Cognitive function was measured using two PROMIS surveys. Scores improved from 39.1 to 42.5 after 90 days (P < .001), and slightly more by day 180. This means that participants were better able to think clearly and manage everyday cognitive tasks due to consistent, app-guided neurofeedback sessions using Muse S.
Participants also completed a digital test called Double Trouble, which tracks attention and response control. Scores improved significantly after 90 days (P = .030), reinforcing the self-reported gains. Together, these results show that participants not only felt mentally sharper—they also performed better on objective cognitive tests.
Sleep quality
Sleep plays a critical role in recovery, and often sleep deprivation is a common symptom of long COVID patients.
In this study, sleep quality was tracked using an adapted version of the ASCQ-Me Sleep Impact scale. Scores improved from 52.7 to 56.2 after 90 days (P = .003), and to 56.3 by day 180 (P < .001). This means participants experienced fewer sleep disruptions and felt more rested day to day.
Better sleep was one of the most consistent improvements reported, showing that regular use of Muse S may help support more restorative rest over time, helping in not only long COVID symptoms, but a plethora of other health and wellness-related cases.
Stress
High stress levels are common in people with long COVID and can make symptoms like fatigue and brain fog worse [6]. In this study, stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10).
Average scores dropped from 22.1 to 17.0 after 90 days (P < .001), and stayed low at 16.7 by day 180. That’s a meaningful decrease, suggesting participants felt noticeably less overwhelmed.
The data also showed a dose-response effect: the more often participants used Muse S, the more their stress levels dropped. Each extra session per week was linked to further reductions in stress (shown by: (P = .023)).
Anxiety
Anxiety is a big struggle for many people with long COVID, making everything from work to rest feel overwhelming.
In this study, anxiety was measured using the PROMIS Emotional Distress Short Form 7a survey. After using Muse S for 90 days, participants felt a noticeable difference, with anxiety dropping by 4.5 points (P < .001). By day 180, that decrease grew to 5.2 points, showing that the change wasn’t just short-term, but it was a change that showed promising results to stay long term.
Another commonly used anxiety test, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y1), didn’t show the same improvement, suggesting that Muse S may specifically target anxiety related to long COVID symptoms, such as brain fog and fatigue. Even though one test didn’t reflect the same changes, the overall decrease in anxiety points in the first test points that Muse S is effective in reducing these specific anxiety symptoms over time.
Self-efficacy
Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s ability to manage and control aspects of life, including health-related tasks. This becomes especially important for individuals dealing with long COVID, given the limited treatment options available.
In the study, the PROMIS Self-Efficacy Short Form 4a was used to measure participants' confidence in managing their symptoms. After 90 days of using Muse S, scores improved from 44.3 to 46.6 (P = .040), and by day 180, they reached 47.0 (P = .028). This indicates that over time, participants felt more capable of managing their long COVID symptoms.
The improvements in self-efficacy reveal that Muse-S™ went beyond helping with anxiety and sleep; it gave participants the ability to take control of their health. As their confidence grew, so did their ability to handle the day-to-day challenges of living with long COVID.
Quality of life
Quality of life was measured using the LASA-6 scale, which assesses physical, emotional, social, functional, and spiritual well-being.
After 90 days of using Muse S, participants' scores improved from an average of 5.0 to 6.1 (P < .001), and by day 180, scores rose to 6.4. This shows a significant and meaningful improvement in how participants experienced their daily lives, suggesting that Muse S played a key role in enhancing their overall well-being.
Why Muse S works
Muse S uses EEG neurofeedback, to help individuals monitor and regulate their brain activity in real-time. This method has been shown to enhance brain self-regulation, improving emotional control and cognitive performance [5].
Incorporating daily neurofeedback sessions with Muse S may complement traditional recovery methods for long COVID by promoting relaxation, improving mental clarity, and supporting overall well-being. While it is not a replacement for medical care, it provides an accessible, at-home practice that can support recovery for many individuals - a valuable addition to any recovery plan.
The future of healthcare: A role for wearable neurotechnology
This study highlights a growing shift in healthcare—toward self-directed, science-backed tools that empower individuals in their recovery. Devices like Muse S are at the forefront of this change, offering an accessible way to support symptom management and well-being alongside traditional care for long COVID. Additional studies have shown similar benefits of Muse for managing burnout in healthcare professionals, stress in breast cancer patients, and even supporting Alzheimer’s research.
As neurofeedback continues to gain recognition in healthcare, its potential to support patient recovery is becoming clearer. Tools like Muse S are increasingly being seen as valuable, evidence-based options that can complement traditional treatments.
What you can do now
Start with short or overnight sessions
Use Muse S for 10–15 minutes daily or for longer overnight sessions to enhance relaxation and sleep. Regular use can help you track changes in cognitive and emotional states over time.
Track progress and understand your brain
Track your sleep, mood, and focus directly in the Muse S app. The app provides real-time feedback on your brainwaves, allowing you to see how your brain responds to different mental and emotional states. This insight helps you make adjustments to your practice, fine-tuning your approach to stress management, focus, and relaxation. By consistently tracking your progress in the app, you can gain a clearer understanding of your brain’s patterns, empowering you to take control and make lasting improvements to your mental well-being.
Expand your recovery insights
Combine Muse S with other wellness practices or clinical care for a comprehensive recovery plan. Whether it’s therapy, mindfulness, or other treatments, integration boosts results.
While Muse S supports focus, relaxation, and sleep with real-time neurofeedback, our brain recharge score, and our newest device, Muse S Athena brings in an added layer of physiological tracking—monitoring blood oxygenation, heart rate, and stillness.
This powerful duo gives you a complete picture of how your mind and body respond to stress, focus, and rest—especially important for managing long COVID symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and poor sleep. Whether you're layering Muse with mindfulness, therapy, or clinical support, adding Athena helps you personalize your path to recovery with deeper, data-backed insights.
You can order Muse S Athena today
Enter your era of mental fitness
Understand your brain’s activity and use real-time feedback to strengthen your mental fitness. Muse S helps you identify patterns in your mental and emotional states, giving you the tools to reshape them. By actively using this data, you can improve your emotional stability, sharpen focus, and build resilience. Think of it as training your mind—just like physical fitness, mental fitness requires practice, and with Muse S, you can develop the habits that enhance your mental well-being every day.
Further learning and the full study:
Further listening:
In this episode of Long Covid by Interaxon, the potential of wearable EEG devices in treating symptoms associated with long COVID is explored. The conversation covers how these devices can monitor brain activity and potentially help alleviate neurological issues such as brain fog, fatigue, and sleep disturbances commonly reported by long COVID patients. The episode also highlights current research findings, the technology behind wearable EEGs, and how they provide an accessible solution for individuals dealing with the long-term effects of COVID-19.
Read the full study:
We’re excited to be featured in this insightful discussion on the role of wearable EEG devices in managing long COVID symptoms. Muse S is an accessible, affordable EEG solution that bridges the gap between clinical-grade technology and everyday use. It’s increasingly used by researchers, clinicians, and individuals seeking to improve their mental well-being and cognitive function. To explore the research behind our findings and learn more about how Muse S is being used to support recovery, visit our research page.
If you’re conducting research with Muse or want to be part of one of our ongoing studies, visit Muse Labs to learn more and get involved. We’d love to hear from you!
Further Learning:
Start your mental fitness journey
Explore Muse brain recharge score
EEG headbands are now covered by your HSA and FSA
Sources:
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Long COVID: Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24181-long-covid
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Long COVID or post-COVID conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/long-term-effects/index.html
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2024). Post-COVID-19 syndrome. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-long-term-effects/art-20490351
[4] Hutchinson, A. D., Hutchinson, M., Parker, A., Hall, S., & Oaten, M. (2024). Feasibility of a wearable EEG meditation device as a non-pharmacological intervention for people with long COVID. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 15, 1–8.
[5] Huang, Y., Zhang, Z., & Wang, M. (2016). Neurofeedback training on attention and emotion regulation: A systematic review. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 10, 51. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00051
[6] Tye, S. (2022, October 21). How stress can increase the chances of long COVID. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/how-stress-can-increase-the-chances-of-long-covid
