Brain responses to gentle ear stimulation measured with near-infrared light
Neural Responses to Tactile Auricular Stimulation Measured by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy in Pain-free Volunteers
NA · University of Pittsburgh · NCT06825364
This one-visit test uses gentle ear stimulation and near-infrared head sensors to see how healthy adults' brains respond.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06825364 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a single-visit, noninvasive experiment in healthy adult volunteers that records brain activity with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) while different points on both ears are gently stimulated. Investigators will stimulate auricular points linked to the shoulder, thumb, and lumbar spine using von Frey filaments and measure responses in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). The hypothesis is that stimulation at different ear points will activate distinct areas within the S1 homunculus while producing similar PFC responses, supporting auricular cartography. Cortical responses will be localized and quantified across stimulation sites to compare patterns of activation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are healthy adults (18+) without frequent or chronic pain, neuropathy, ear skin lesions, recent illicit drug use, recent opioid or marijuana use, substance misuse history, or regular psychoactive medications.
Not a fit: People with chronic or frequent pain, neuropathy, active ear skin problems, recent substance use, or regular psychoactive or opioid medication use are unlikely to participate or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help validate ear-point mapping and guide more precise, noninvasive ear-based therapies or monitoring.
How similar studies have performed: fNIRS and auricular stimulation techniques have been used in prior research, but direct validation of detailed auricular cartography is relatively novel and not yet widely confirmed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age of at least 18 years Exclusion Criteria: 1. frequent or chronic pain requiring the use of pain-relieving medications more than twice per week, on average, in the last 3 months, 2. history or symptoms of neuropathy, 3. active lesions or skin disruptions to either ear, 4. recent (\< 3 mo) illicit drug use, 5. history of substance misuse/abuse, 6. current or recent (\<1 month) opioid or marijuana use, and 7. current regular use of psychoactive prescription medications
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Keith Vogt, MD, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Carly Riedmann, MPH
- Email: riedmannca@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-623-4147
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Healthy Male and Female Subjects, Healthy Volunteer Study, auricular stimulation, functional near infrared spectroscopy