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Effects of the Timing of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Combined With Exercise in Chronic Neck Pain
Sponsor: Kutahya Health Sciences University
Summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate whether the timing of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) relative to exercise influences clinical and autonomic outcomes in individuals with chronic neck pain. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: taVNS applied before exercise, taVNS applied after exercise, or exercise alone. All groups will receive a standardized exercise program designed for chronic neck pain. The intervention will be conducted over a 6- to 8-week period. The effects of the interventions will be evaluated using pain intensity, neck-related disability, sleep quality, heart rate variability, and exercise adherence. The study will determine whether applying taVNS before or after exercise provides additional benefits compared with exercise alone and whether the timing of stimulation influences treatment outcomes.
Official title: Does Timing Matter? Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Before and After Exercise in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
81
Start Date
2026-09-14
Completion Date
2027-09-15
Last Updated
2026-08-17
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS)
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation will be delivered non-invasively through an auricular stimulation device targeting the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Stimulation will be administered under researcher supervision using standardized stimulation parameters according to the device instructions and study protocol.
Exercise Program
Participants will perform a standardized exercise program for chronic neck pain including postural correction, deep cervical flexor activation, cervical mobility, scapular stabilization, and stretching exercises. Exercises will be performed under researcher supervision during the intervention period.
Locations (1)
Kutahya Health Sciences University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Research Center
Kütahya, Türkiye, Turkey (Türkiye)