Clinical Research Directory

Participants in the experimental group will receive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) administered according to standardized clinical protocols. No intervention is provided at baseline, aside from initial assessments. During Weeks 1 and 2, taVNS will be applied daily or as per a specified schedule. The stimulation parameters include: application at the auricular site (such as the tragus), with a frequency of 25 Hz, pulse width of 250 µs, and intensity adjusted to individual tolerance, not exceeding 6 mA. Each session will last for 30 minutes. The same taVNS protocol continues through Weeks 3 and 4. This group will not perform physical balance exercises during the taVNS phase, focusing solely on neuromodulation through vagus nerve stimulation.

Participants in the control group will also undergo baseline assessments without intervention. During Weeks 1 and 2, they will participate in daily or scheduled 30-minute balance training sessions, consisting of 14 basic exercises such as sit-to-stand, tandem stance, and single-leg stance. These exercises are designed to improve static and dynamic balance, and are tailored to the individual's ability and safety level. In Weeks 3 and 4, the balance training progresses in difficulty. This includes increasing repetitions or duration, adding dual-task challenges (like cognitive tasks while balancing), and incorporating tools like foam pads or wobble boards to increase instability and challenge postural control. Each session remains 30 minutes in length and is supervised for safety and consistency