Non-invasive ear nerve stimulation to improve balance after stroke

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this randomized trial, participants with recent ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and balance impairment will receive taVNS combined with balance training or balance training alone. The study aims to see if taVNS can enhance postural control and modulate autonomic responses such as heart rate variability and blood pressure variability. Rehabilitation will focus on practical balance tasks, with outcomes including standardized balance scores and autonomic measurements. The trial uses non-invasive stimulation delivered through ear electrodes, paired with a structured therapy program. Safety monitoring and standardized assessments will be conducted to compare the two groups.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 to 70years who are diagnosed with ischemic brain injury, intracerebral hemorrhage shown by magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography.
* First occurrence of stroke characterized by a unilateral lesion, with an onset time (acute/ subacute) \< 6 months
* With balance impairment (BBS Score = 21-44);
* no or mild spasticity on the lower-limb assessed by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS ≤ 2);
* sufficient cognition to follow the instructions provided by the therapists and the computer.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals exhibiting unstable vital signs, consciousness disorders, or an inability to cooperate with examination and treatment procedures
* Those with a heart rate below 60 beats per minute, or with implantable devices such as pacemakers or cochlear implants.
* Other medical or psychological conditions affecting participation

Where it's running

• Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi
  Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hajra Arshad, MS-NMPT* — Riphah International Unversity
• Study coordinator: Arshad Nawaz Malik, PhD Rehab
• Email: arshad.nawaz@riphah.edu.pk
• Phone: 03334503754

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke

  This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.

  Recruiting The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health · Heidelberg, Victoria and 1 other locations · NCT07019493

• Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery

  This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Hokkaido University Hospital · Sapporo, Hokkaido · NCT06752720

• AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals

  This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute · Leuven and 6 other locations · NCT07924371

• Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke

  This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.

  Recruiting Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · Taoyuan · NCT07921108

• Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2

  Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · Sheffield, South Yorkshire · NCT07914647

• Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke

  In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.

  Recruiting Matia Foundation · San Sebastián, GUIPUZCOA · NCT07913620

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.