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Pupil-Indexed Noninvasive Neuromodulation

VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06282406

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Opens the official ClinicalTrials.gov record, with the study team’s contacts. Bored Studies doesn’t enroll anyone.

Key facts

Compensation
Not posted. Ask the study team before screening.
Who can join
Ages 18–75 · All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Study type
Interventional · Not applicable
Target enrollment
110
US sites recruiting
1
Study start
June 3, 2024
Record last updated
April 24, 2026

Status re-checked against ClinicalTrials.gov within the last 12 hours.

What the study is about

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is thought to activate neural pathways that release chemicals which promote plasticity and learning. Previous work has shown that the auricular branch of the vagus nerve innervates landmarks on the external ear. Work from the PI's laboratory has shown that electrical current applied to the external ear modulates physiological indexes of brain states implicated in the therapeutic effects of VNS. The broad objective of this project is to better understand physiological mechanisms modulated by auricular stimulation to support possible therapeutic effects in the form of motor learning.

Being studied: Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation; Sham

Conditions: Paresis

Eligibility criteria

Copied from the official record. The study team makes the final decision at screening.

Show full criteria

Inclusion Criteria

ALL PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS

  • 18-75 years of age

PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS DIAGNOSED WITH STROKE:

  • Diagnosis of a single stroke resulting in hand impairment
  • Diagnosis of stroke at least six months prior to the time of participation

Exclusion Criteria

ALL PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS

  • History of vestibular disorders or dizziness
  • Difficulty maintaining alertness and/or remaining still
  • Pregnant or expecting to become pregnant
  • Diagnosis of neurological and/or musculoskeletal disorder(s) (other than stroke) that affect movement
  • Ocular disease and/or impairment in more than one eye
  • History of seizure and/or epilepsy
  • Implants, devices, or foreign objects in the brain/body that are incompatible with MRI
  • Body size that is incompatible with MRI scanner dimensions
  • Anyone already enrolled and actively participating in another greater than minimal risk study.

PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS DIAGNOSED WITH STROKE:

  • Other impairments secondary to stroke (e.g., attention, cognition, etc.) that would interfere with the ability to understand study goals or follow simple instructions, as judged by the investigators.

Recruiting US locations

  • VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA

    Pittsburgh, PA 15240

    Site contact: Nikitha Deepak, MS BS · 412-822-3669 · nikitha.deepak@va.gov

Study contacts (from the official record)

  • Michael A Urbin, PhD · (412) 688-6000 · Michael.Urbin@va.gov
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Pupil-Indexed Noninvasive Neuromodulation (NCT06282406) | Bored Studies