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Pupil-Indexed Noninvasive Neuromodulation
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is thought to activate neural pathways that release chemicals which promote plasticity and learning. Previous work has shown that the auricular branch of the vagus nerve innervates landmarks on the external ear. Work from the PI's laboratory has shown that electrical current applied to the external ear modulates physiological indexes of brain states implicated in the therapeutic effects of VNS. The broad objective of this project is to better understand physiological mechanisms modulated by auricular stimulation to support possible therapeutic effects in the form of motor learning.
Official title: Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Motor Learning & Mechanisms
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 75 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
110
Start Date
2024-06-03
Completion Date
2028-08-05
Last Updated
2025-06-24
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation
Electrical pulse trains applied to the skin overlying putative sites of auricular vagal innervation.
Sham
Electrodes placed on the skin overlying putative sites of auricular vagal innervation but no current administered.
Locations (1)
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States