Using vagus nerve stimulation to help athletes recover faster
Neuromodulation of the Autonomic Nervous System in Athletes (NANSA Trial)
This study is testing if a new way of using electrical stimulation on the vagus nerve can help professional athletes recover faster after intense workouts.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 125 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bakulev Scientific Center of Cardiovascular Surgery Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Krasnodar) |
| Trial ID | NCT06281795 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) on professional athletes to enhance recovery after physical exertion. By applying low-frequency electrical currents to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, the study aims to improve heart rate recovery, reduce lactic acid levels, and alleviate fatigue and pain. The methodology involves using surface electrodes to stimulate specific nerve pathways, potentially leading to systemic benefits for cardiovascular and immune functions. The study focuses on athletes engaged in cyclic and coordination sports, assessing the efficacy of this non-invasive technique.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are professional athletes aged 15 to 35 participating in cyclic or difficult coordination sports.
Not a fit: Patients with significant heart rhythm disorders or atypical ECG changes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance recovery times and overall performance for athletes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with tVNS in improving recovery and reducing fatigue in athletes, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Professional athletes over the age of 15 and under the age of 35; * Cyclic sports (swimming, modern pentathlon, athletics, triathlon); * Difficult coordination sports (dance sports, rhythmic gymnastics); * Sports category: no lower than candidate for master of sports; * Voluntary informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Atypical and unrelated to physical exertion changes on the ECG (T wave inversion, st-segment depression, pathological Q waves, signs of left atrial enlargement, signs of right ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular pre-excitation, complete right or left bundle branch block, prolonged or shortened Q-T interval, Brugada-like early repolarization); * Heart rhythm and conduction disorders (frequent ventricular and supraventricular extrasystoles, first-degree atrioventricular block (P-Q \> 0.21 s, not shortened during hyperventilation or physical exertion), second or third degree); * Expressed sinus bradycardia with resting heart rate \< 40 bpm; * Taking glucocorticosteroids in the last 1 month; * Taking any antiarrhythmic drugs, including beta-blockers.
Where this trial is running
Krasnodar
- Autonomous Non-Profit organization of additional education sports school BECOME A CHAMPION — Krasnodar, Russia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Vladimir Shvartz
- Email: vashvarts@bakulev.ru
- Phone: +79032619292
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.