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NCT Number: NCT05273190

Stimulation of the Larynx to Treat Unexplained Chronic Cough

Researchers will test the effect of non-invasive vibrotactile stimulation of the larynx on symptom severity of unexplained chronic cough.

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Key information

Conditions

Cough Chronic Cough Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Respiration Disorders Respiratory Tract Diseases Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory

Age range

18 year–88 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Stephanie Misono

CONTACT

[email protected]

612-626-5526

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 18-88
  • >8 weeks of cough
  • Cough visual analogue scale (VAS): Rating of 30 or greater on a 0-100 cough severity scale
  • Ability to provide informed consent and independently complete questionnaires
  • Ability to read and speak English

Exclusion criteria

  • Electronic implants (e.g., pacemaker)
  • Currently doing speech therapy for cough
  • Contraindications to safe or effective VTS device use
  • No regular access to wifi internet Neuromuscular impairment that may affect cough/laryngeal sensation and/or function (e.g., multiple system atrophy, Parkinson, CVA, vocal fold paralysis or paresis)
  • Untreated carotid disease
  • BMI > 40 (for transmission of VTS through soft tissue)
  • Current or recent (quit < 3 months ago) smoking
  • Known currently infectious cause for cough (e.g., TB, pertussis, COVID)
  • History of known or suspected aspiration pneumonia
  • Diagnosis or clinical suspicion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Diagnosis or clinical suspicion of interstitial lung disease (ILD)
  • Unmanaged reflux
  • Unmanaged allergies/postnasal drip

Treatment and study plan

Vibrotactile Stimulation

Device

Small electric motors, similar to a vibrating cell phone or gaming joystick, deliver vibration to the throat. Participants will assess cough symptoms throughout the study period.

Primary outcomes

  1. Assess usability of VTS device

    Time frame: 3-7 weeks

    % of participants indicating agree or strongly agree with statements of usability

  2. Impact of VTS on cough symptoms

    Time frame: 3-7 weeks

    Pre-post comparison of LCQ scores

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Ali Stockness

CONTACT

[email protected]

Clinical Research Coordinators Ashley Ramaker, MS or colleagues

CONTACT

[email protected]

612-625-3278

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Minnesota

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Vibrotactile Stimulation of the Larynx to Treat Unexplained Chronic Cough

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Mar 10, 2022
Registry last updated
Jun 15, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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