Trans-auricular vagus nerve stimulation to improve arm function 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

Adults with unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and upper extremity motor impairment (onset within five years) will receive either active trans-auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) or a sham procedure paired with daily physical therapy. Interventions are delivered over a two-week period with motor function as the primary outcome and safety, daily activities, and spasticity as secondary outcomes. The protocol compares active stimulation to a sham that mimics the procedure without therapeutic stimulation. Adverse events and tolerability will be monitored throughout the treatment period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients aged between 18 and 75 years, with motor impairment in the upper extremity caused by unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with stroke onset within the last five years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with any contraindication to taVNS, peripheral upper extremity injuries, use of medication affecting cortical excitability in the past 3 months, use of botulinum toxin in the past 3 months, presence of any other neurological disorder, or significant cognitive deficits.

Where it's running

• Federal University of Pernambuco
  Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: DANIEL G DE MELO, MsC
• Email: gmelodaniel@gmail.com
• Phone: +5581995173332

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.