Ear-based vagus nerve stimulation to improve reaction time
Enhancing Reaction Time Through Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation
NA · Youngstown State University · NCT07528742
Researchers will try a short, noninvasive electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve at the ear to see if it shortens reaction time in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Youngstown State University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Youngstown, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT07528742 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional pilot delivers transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation using a TENS unit with electrodes clipped to the ear over the vagus nerve distribution. Stimulation is set to 30 Hz, 250 µs pulse width for 5 minutes at a comfortable, nonpainful intensity and is applied by a licensed physical therapist. Reaction time is measured using an online reaction time testing platform immediately before and after stimulation to detect within-subject changes. The single-center visit is conducted at Youngstown State University and enrolls healthy adults over age 18 who have not previously received vagus nerve stimulation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18 and older who have not previously received vagus nerve stimulation and who do not have disqualifying implants or substance abuse history are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with implanted cardiac or cranial devices, metal in the skull, active alcohol or drug abuse, or women in the third trimester of pregnancy are unlikely to be eligible or benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a simple, noninvasive way to shorten reaction time in healthy adults and inform approaches for cognitive or performance enhancement.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation have shown mixed but promising effects on attention and reaction time.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy participants over the age of 18 * did not receive vagus nerve stimulation previously Exclusion Criteria: * alcohol or drug abuse * metal in the skull * implanted cardiac or cranial devices * Women during 3 trimester of pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Youngstown, Ohio
- Youngstown State University — Youngstown, Ohio, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Weiqing Ge Ge, DPT, PhD
- Email: wge@ysu.edu
- Phone: 330-941-2702
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 Subjects