Effects of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation on cognition in young adult vapers
Vaping and Vagal Neuromodulation of Cognition
This study is testing if a new type of stimulation can help improve thinking skills in young adults who vape.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Temple University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06804109 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates the impact of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) on cognitive functioning in young adults who use e-cigarettes. Participants aged 18-25 will be randomly assigned to receive either active nVNS or a control stimulation, followed by cognitive tests assessing attention. The study aims to explore how nVNS may influence cognitive processes that are potentially impaired due to nicotine addiction. Self-report surveys will also be utilized to evaluate vaping dependence, craving, anxiety, and emotional states.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy young adults aged 18-25 who are current or prior users of e-cigarettes.
Not a fit: Patients with certain medical conditions, such as neurological disorders or those with implantable medical devices, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into non-invasive methods to improve cognitive functioning in young adults who vape.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using nVNS is gaining interest, this specific application in young adult vapers is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy young adults * Age range 18-25 years * Current or prior users of e-cigarettes Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded from the study if they: * Have any rash, infection, swelling, cut, soreness, drug patch, surgical scar on the neck area * Have any implantable medical device in their body such as a pacemaker, hearing aid implant, or any other metallic/electronic device * Have any hearing or vision problems that are not corrected * Are pregnant or breastfeeding * Have any learning disabilities * Have a medical history of any of the following condition * Meningitis * Traumatic brain injury * Seizure * Syncope * Schizophrenia * Schizoaffective disorder * Bulimia (eating disorder) * Other serious neurological illness * Have a medical history of any of the following cardiac disorder * Carotid atherosclerosis or carotid artery disease * Cervical vagotomy * First degree atrioventricular block or prolonged QT interval * Are taking any medications for to treat hypertension, arrhythmias, or are on calcium channel blockers
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Temple University — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Vinay Parikh, PhD — Temple University
- Study coordinator: Vinay Parikh, PhD
- Email: vinay.parikh@temple.edu
- Phone: 215-204-1572
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.