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An Exploratory Preliminary Study on the Effect of Combined Transcranial Photobiomodulation(tPBM)-Transauricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation(taVNS) on Alcohol Craving and Neurophysiological Marker in Drinkers (in South Korea)
Sponsor: Yonsei University
Summary
Study Summary This pilot study aims to explore the mechanisms and effects of non-invasive neurostimulation in individuals with alcohol use, in order to develop a more accessible and sustainable treatment approach for alcohol use disorder. Objectives To evaluate the impact of: Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) Combined tPBM + taVNS on alcohol craving and neurophysiological indicators. Method Participants: 60 adults (30 at Severance Hospital, 30 at Samsung Medical Center) Design: Randomized into 3 groups (tPBM, taVNS, combined) Intervention: 15 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks (home-based) Assessments: Questionnaires, neurocognitive tests, EEG, and heart rate variability (HRV) Safety: Weekly phone check-ins for monitoring adverse effects Follow-up: Post-intervention assessments after 5 weeks
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
19 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2025-01-15
Completion Date
2025-08-31
Last Updated
2025-07-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
tPBM Group, taVNS Group, Combined Treatment Group: Stimulation Program (5 Weeks)
Stimulation Program (5 Weeks) Each participant will follow one of the following programs, assigned randomly, five days a week for a total duration of five weeks. tPBM Group: Participants will receive transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) for 15 minutes per day. taVNS Group: Participants will receive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for 15 minutes per day. Combined Treatment Group: Participants will simultaneously receive both tPBM and taVNS for 15 minutes per day.
Locations (2)
Severance Hospital
Seoul, South Korea
Samsung Medical Center
Seoul, South Korea