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Non-Invasive Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Applied at Different Durations in Healthy Adults
Sponsor: Sinop University
Summary
This randomized, participant-blinded, sham-controlled interventional study aims to compare the acute effects of non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) applied at different durations on autonomic nervous system responses in healthy adults. Participants will be assigned to either an active taVNS group or a sham stimulation group. Within each group, participants will complete three separate study visits in which stimulation will be applied for 5, 10, and 15 minutes in randomized order, with 48- to 72-hour washout intervals between visits. Heart rate variability, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and subjective discomfort will be assessed immediately before and after each intervention session. The study is designed to determine whether the acute autonomic effects of taVNS vary according to stimulation duration and whether a duration-related response pattern can be identified.
Official title: Comparison of the Acute Effects of Non-Invasive Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Applied at Different Durations on the Autonomic Nervous System in Healthy Adults: A Sham-Controlled Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
44
Start Date
2026-05-01
Completion Date
2026-09-15
Last Updated
2026-04-15
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Active taVNS
Active transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation will be applied bilaterally to the cymba conchae region. Stimulation frequency will be 25 Hz, pulse width 200 to 300 microseconds, and intensity will be individually adjusted to a clearly perceptible but comfortable level. Depending on the study visit, stimulation will be delivered for 5, 10, or 15 minutes.
Sham stimulation
Sham stimulation will be delivered using the same device under visually similar conditions. The sham procedure will be applied at a non-vagal auricular site or with minimal non-therapeutic stimulation, depending on the study protocol, for 5, 10, or 15 minutes according to the study visit.
Locations (1)
Artvin Coruh University, Artvin Vocational School, Disabled Care and Rehabilitation Laboratory
Artvin, Turkey (Türkiye)