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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05468385

The Effects of taVNS on Inhibitory Control

The main aim of the study is to investigate whether the transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation(tVNS) improves the ability of inhibitory control in an emotional Go-Nogo task.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

Chengdu, Sichuan, 611731, China

About this study

A randomized, sham-controlled, between-subject design will be employed in this study. A total of 87 healthy subjects will receive either transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation via tragus or sham stimulation via the earlobe in the left ear. Brain activity and behavioral data for an emotional Go-Nogo task will be recorded and saliva samples will be collected before, during, and after stimulation.

Some personal traits will be assessed using different kinds of questionnaires, such as the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck's Depression Inventory(BDI), Autism Spectrum Quotient (ASQ) et al.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthy subjects without past or current psychiatric or neurological disorders

Exclusion criteria

  • history of head injury;
  • pregnant, menstruating, taking oral contraceptives;
  • medical or psychiatric illness.

Treatment and study plan

Vagus nerve stimulation via tragus

Device

The device will send stimulus intensity of around 0.5mA via tragus in the left ear (based on participants' subjective report), delivered with a pulse width of 0.5 ms at 25 Hz. Stimulation will be active for 30 seconds, followed by a break of 30 seconds.

Sham stimulation via earlobe

Device

The device will send stimulus intensity of around 0.5mA via the earlobe in the left ear (based on participants' subjective reports), delivered with a pulse width of 0.5 ms at 25 Hz. Stimulation will be active for 30 seconds, followed by a break of 30 seconds.

Primary outcomes

  1. The ability of inhibitory control in an emotional Go-Nogo task

    Time frame: After 30 minutes stimulation

    Analysis the behavioral and brain data recorded during the task

  2. Oxytocin release

    Time frame: within 5 minutes after taVNS via tragus and earlobe

    Investigating the oxytocin release after taVNS via tragus and earlobe based on saliva samples

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Improves Inhibitory Control in Emotional Go-Nogo Task

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Jul 21, 2022
Registry last updated
Dec 13, 2023

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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