Effects of taVNS on fear ratings during a horror movie
Official title: taVNS Effects on Fear Ratings in Naturalistic Context
Run by University of Electronic Science and Technology of China · NCT06975124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a type of nerve stimulation can help people feel less scared while watching a horror movie.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chengdu, Sichuan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | May 16, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06975124 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults without any psychiatric or medical disorders.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with current or history of medical or psychiatric disorders, or those who are color blind, will 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 study investigates the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on fear ratings in healthy participants while they watch a horror movie. Seventy participants are randomly assigned to receive either active taVNS or sham stimulation, with their subjective fear intensity rated continuously throughout the film. The study employs a sham-controlled, participant-blinded design and utilizes functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor brain responses during the fear task. Additionally, participants complete mood questionnaires and physiological measurements to assess emotional and physical changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into non-invasive methods for modulating fear responses, potentially benefiting individuals with anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using taVNS is gaining interest, this specific application in a naturalistic fear context 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 participants without color blindness, current or regular substance or medication use, any current or history of medical or psychiatric disorders and contraindications for MRI. Exclusion Criteria: * Color blindness, * Current or regular substance or medication use * any current or history of medical or psychiatric disorders and contraindications for MRI
Where it's running
-
Nirsit Lite
Chengdu, Sichuan, China Recruiting
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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.