Investigating pulsed vagus nerve stimulation for improving learning
Pulsed Vagus Nerve Stimulation - A Novel Method to Modify Learning and Decision Making
This study is testing if a new type of nerve stimulation can help people learn better by improving how they make decisions based on rewards.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Bonn Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bonn) |
| Trial ID | NCT06205108 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore the effects of pulsed transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on reinforcement learning by administering stimulation during different stages of the learning process. Participants will undergo a single-blind randomized cross-over design, receiving both taVNS and sham stimulation across two experimental sessions. The research seeks to identify optimal stimulation parameters that enhance value-based decision-making, potentially benefiting individuals with altered reward functions associated with various mental disorders. Insights gained may redefine the application of taVNS in therapeutic settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 to 35 with a normal body mass index and no contraindications for MRI.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of severe mental disorders, significant medical conditions, or those who are pregnant or nursing may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to non-invasive interventions that improve decision-making processes in individuals with mental health disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have focused on tonic stimulation, this novel approach of pulsed stimulation has shown promising pilot results, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 35 * Body-Mass-Index between 18.5 and 30.0 kg/m2 * Providing written informed consent * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision Exclusion Criteria: acute: * skin lesions at the stimulation site (e.g., wounds, inflammation), * earrings or piercings on the left or right ear which cannot be removed, * implants (pacemaker, cochlear implant, cerebral shunt), * required permanent use of hearing aid, * pregnant or nursing, * other contraindications for MRI (e.g. claustrophobia) lifetime: * brain injury, * schizophrenia, * bipolar disorder, * severe substance use disorders, * coronary heart disease, * stroke, * diabetes, * epilepsy, * asthma 12-month prevalence: * current mood or anxiety disorder (excluding specific phobias), * obsessive-compulsive disorder, * trauma- and stressor-related disorders, * somatic symptom disorder, * eating disorder.
Where this trial is running
Bonn
- Section of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Bonn — Bonn, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nils B Kroemer, Dr.
- Email: nkroemer@uni-bonn.de
- Phone: 49 228 287-19123
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.