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Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Cognitive Performance and Sex Differences
Sponsor: Bahçeşehir University
Summary
This study investigates the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on cognitive performance in healthy adults. The study uses a sham-controlled, cross-over design in which each participant receives both active taVNS and sham stimulation in separate sessions. Each participant completes both conditions (active and sham) in a randomized order using a crossover design. Cognitive performance will be assessed before and after each session using standardized tests. The study also explores whether males and females respond differently to taVNS, in order to identify potential sex-related differences in cognitive outcomes.
Official title: A Sham-Controlled Cross-Over Study Examining the Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) on Cognitive Performance and Gender Differences in Healthy Adults
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2025-12
Completion Date
2026-05
Last Updated
2025-12-01
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Active taVNS
Active taVNS will be delivered bilaterally to the cymba conchae and tragus regions using the VaguStim device. Stimulation parameters follow cognitive-neuroscience standards to minimize cardiac side effects: biphasic waveform, 25 Hz frequency, 250 μs pulse width, and intensity individually adjusted below the sensory threshold (0.5-4 mA). Each stimulation session lasts 20 minutes. This intervention corresponds to the Active taVNS Stimulation arm.
Sham Stimulation
Sham stimulation will be delivered using the same VaguStim device, but electrodes will be placed bilaterally on the earlobe, an area not innervated by the vagus nerve. Device parameters will be set to match the active condition, but no true vagus nerve stimulation is delivered. This procedure controls for placebo and participant expectancy effects. This intervention corresponds to the Sham Stimulation arm.