Gentle ear (taVNS) stimulation to reduce anxiety and improve emotional control
The Modulatory Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) on Anxiety Responses and Emotional Regulation
NA · University of Electronic Science and Technology of China · NCT07369908
This trial will test whether gentle electrical stimulation of the ear (taVNS) can lower anxiety and help adults with or without high‑trait anxiety regulate their emotions.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chengdu, Sichuan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07369908 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a participant‑blinded, randomized, sham‑controlled between‑subject study enrolling 140 healthy men and women with or without high‑trait anxiety. Participants receive 15 minutes of taVNS to the tragus (active) or earlobe (sham) while undergoing resting‑state and task‑based fMRI, and researchers record skin conductance, heart rate variability, and collect saliva samples for hormone analysis. Before and during scanning they complete questionnaires and a modified emotional regulation task involving negative pictures of differing intensity. The design compares physiological, neural, and behavioral responses between active and sham stimulation to see if taVNS changes anxiety responses and emotion regulation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults (male or female) with or without high‑trait anxiety who have no past or current psychiatric or neurological disorders and no metal implants are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with current psychiatric or neurological illness, a history of head injury, long‑term medication use, or metal implants are excluded and would not benefit from participation here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, taVNS could offer a noninvasive option to reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation without medication.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot studies and small trials have suggested taVNS can influence anxiety and autonomic markers, but findings are mixed and mechanisms remain under investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy subjects without past or current psychiatric or neurological disorders. Exclusion Criteria: * History of head injury. * Medical or psychiatric illness. * Subjects take a certain drug for a long period of time. * Subjects have metal implants in their bodies.
Where this trial is running
Chengdu, Sichuan
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) — Chengdu, Sichuan, China (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shuxia Yao, Dr — University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
- Study coordinator: Keith M Kendrick, Dr
- Email: k.kendrick.uestc@gmail.com
- Phone: 86-28-61830811
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 Male and Female Volunteers, taVNS, anxiety, emotional regulation, high-trait anxiety