Effects of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation on cognition in young adult vapers
Official title: Vaping and Vagal Neuromodulation of Cognition
Run by Temple University · NCT06804109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a new type of stimulation can help improve thinking skills in young adults who vape.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Temple University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 18, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 9, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 9, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06804109 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy young adults aged 18-25 who are current or prior users of e-cigarettes.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with certain medical conditions, such as neurological disorders or those with implantable medical devices, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
TUBSIS 2.0 — an online program to help adults reduce or quit smoking and vaping
This program tests whether a free, anonymous, 4-week web-based course using mindfulness, self-compassion, and behavior-change techniques helps German-, English-, and Turkish-speaking adults who smoke or vape reduce or quit tobacco.
-
Social media support groups to help teens and young adults quit vaping
This pilot tries a social-media group program called the Quit the Hit Toolkit to help adolescents and young adults who vape stop using nicotine.
-
How synthetic nicotine and nicotine analogues behave in the body when vaped
This study tests synthetic nicotine and related nicotine analogues in vapes to see how they move through and act in the body compared with regular nicotine.
-
Varenicline plus enhanced TMS to help adults quit smoking and vaping
This study tests whether adding active enhanced accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) to varenicline helps adults 18–65 quit nicotine use more effectively than varenicline with sham stimulation.
-
Varenicline to help adults stop vaping
This trial tests whether the smoking-cessation pill varenicline helps adults who vape daily quit e-cigarettes.
-
Using tDCS (mild brain stimulation) to reduce vaping
This project will try daily transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to reduce cravings and vaping in adults who use nicotine e-cigarettes every day and are not planning to quit.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.