Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Enhance Motor Learning

Stopped early · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Neurological Injury, Motor Disorders, Paresis

In brief

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) activates neural pathways leading to the release of chemicals that promote plasticity and learning. Previous work has shown that the auricular branch of the vagus nerve innervates landmarks on the external ear. Work from the PI's laboratory has shown that electrical current applied to the external ear activates neural pathways implicated in the therapeutic effects of VNS. The broad objective of this project is to better understand physiological mechanisms that are modulated by auricular stimulation and its potential to enhance motor learning.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT05316519

Run by

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

People needed

4

Starts

2022-06-01

Expected to finish

2023-12-31

Last updated by the study team

2024-05-09

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 75. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• (For prospective subjects diagnosed with stroke)
• Confirmed diagnosis of a single stroke at least six months prior to participation

You may not qualify if…

• History of vestibular disorders or dizziness
• Diagnosis of neurological disorders affecting movement
• Ocular disease and/or impairment in more than one eye
• Pregnant or expecting to become pregnant
• Difficulty maintaining alertness and/or remaining still

Where it is running

• Human Engineering Research Laboratories — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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