Effects of auricular vagus nerve stimulation on neck pain and balance in college athletes
Comparing the Effects of Different Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (AVNS) Parameters on Neck Pain Intensity, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and Balance in Collegiate Athletes: A Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Design
This study is testing if a new treatment using auricular vagus nerve stimulation can help college athletes with neck pain and improve their balance.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 26 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Sharjah Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sharjah city) |
| Trial ID | NCT06450483 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how auricular vagus nerve stimulation (AVNS) influences neck pain, heart rate variability (HRV), and balance in collegiate athletes. Participants will be divided into two groups, each receiving AVNS with different parameters to assess the varying effects on pain intensity, HRV, and balance. The study employs several assessment tools, including the Neck Pain Disability Index and the Biodex Balance System, to measure outcomes. The hypothesis is that AVNS will reduce pain perception and improve balance in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy collegiate athletes aged 18-26 with mild to moderate neck pain and a high level of physical activity.
Not a fit: Patients with severe neck pain, recent injuries, or those outside the specified age and BMI range may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option for managing neck pain and improving balance in collegiate athletes.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using AVNS is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in pain management and autonomic regulation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Gender: Male and female Healthy collegiate athletes based in UAE * Age range: 18-26 years * Physical activity level: High score on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire * BMI: Within the range of 20-25 * Neck pain level: Mild to moderate score on the Neck Pain Disability Index Questionnaire Exclusion Criteria: * Recent injury: Had an injury within the last three months * Age: Over 26 years or below 18 years * Physical activity level: Scored moderate or low on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire * BMI: Above 25 or below 20 * Neck pain level: Scored severe on the Neck Pain Disability Index Questionnaire
Where this trial is running
Sharjah city
- University of Sharjah — Sharjah city, United Arab Emirates (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tamer M Shousha, PhD — Associate professor
- Study coordinator: Tamer M Shousha, PhD
- Email: tshousha@sharjah.ac.ae
- Phone: +971562224469
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.