Learning and Ear Stimulation

NCT ID: NCT04812015

Last Updated: 2025-08-13

Study Results

Results available

Outcome measurements, participant flow, baseline characteristics, and adverse events have been published for this study.

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Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

28 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2022-07-06

Study Completion Date

2023-03-01

Brief Summary

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This study aims to determine how non-invasive ear stimulation affects learning. During this study, participants will be asked to complete surveys and come to a lab for about 2.5 hours. Researchers will measure brain waves and other body responses (heart rate), while while the ear is stimulated. Participants also will be asked to complete computer tasks. Because brain activity will be measured, participants will be asked to come to the study with clean, dry hair. The study is at MUSC in Charleston. Participants will be compensated for their time. To be eligible, participants must be 18-65 years old, be able to commit 2.5 hours of time to the study, and be able to wear sensors on their hands, arms, and head and sit quietly at a computer.

There are some risks to completing this study. Some questions in the surveys ask about personal thoughts and feelings. The ear stimulation may cause tingling sensations or irritation around the ear.

There are no direct benefits to participants. This study will help researchers improve this ear stimulation as a treatment method.

Detailed Description

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Conditions

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Learning taVNS

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Blinding Strategy

TRIPLE

Participants Caregivers Investigators

Study Groups

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Dose Group 1

Group Type OTHER

transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) 15 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

Sham 60 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 15 minutes

Dose Group 2

Group Type OTHER

taVNS 30 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

Sham 45 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 30 minutes

Dose Group 3

Group Type OTHER

taVNS 45 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

Sham 30 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 45 minutes

Dose Group 4

Group Type OTHER

taVNS 60 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

Sham 15 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 60 minutes

Dose Group 5

Group Type OTHER

taVNS 75 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

Sham 0 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 75 minutes

Dose Group 6

Group Type OTHER

taVNS 0 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

Sham taVNS 75 minutes

Interventions

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transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) 15 minutes

Sham 60 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 15 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

taVNS 30 minutes

Sham 45 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 30 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

taVNS 45 minutes

Sham 30 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 45 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

taVNS 60 minutes

Sham 15 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 60 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

taVNS 75 minutes

Sham 0 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 75 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

taVNS 0 minutes

Sham taVNS 75 minutes

Intervention Type DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* English speaking
* Non-treatment-seeking community members who do not have a mental health diagnosis and individuals seeking treatment for an anxiety, mood, trauma-related, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
* Treatment and non-treatment-seeking community members with anxiety, mood, trauma-related, or obsessive-compulsive disorder or symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria

* Diagnosis of COVID-19 in the past 14 days
* Facial or ear pain or recent ear trauma
* Metal implant devices in the head, heart or neck
* History of brain stimulation or other brain surgery
* History of myocardial infarction or arrhythmia, bradycardia
* Use of B-blockers, antiarrhythmic medication (sodium/potassium/calcium-channel blockers), or blood pressure medications.
* Active respiratory disorder
* Personal or family history of seizure or epilepsy or personal use of medications that substantially reduce seizure threshold (e.g., olanzapine, chlorpromazine, lithium).
* Personal history of head injury, concussion, or self-report of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
* Individuals suffering from frequent/severe headaches
* Individuals with lifetime evidence of severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia) or neurological disorder.
* Moderate to severe alcohol or substance use disorder.
* Pregnancy
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

65 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Medical University of South Carolina

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Locations

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Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Site Status

Countries

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United States

Provided Documents

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Document Type: Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan

View Document

Document Type: Informed Consent Form

View Document

Other Identifiers

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Pro00107689

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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