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Using taVNS to Modulate Cardiovascular Function in Individuals With Neurologic Disease
NCT07557706 · University of Alabama at Birmingham
In plain English
Click the button to translate this study into plain language — what it is, who qualifies, and what participation looks like.
About this study
The purpose of this study is to find out whether a type of gentle nerve stimulation, called transcutaneous auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS), can help improve how the body regulates heart rate and blood pressure in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Problems with heart rate and blood pressure control are common and can make it harder for people to exercise or do daily activities. By using this non-invasive form of nerve stimulation and testing how it affects the body's natural responses, this study hopes to learn if taVNS could be a helpful tool to support physical therapy and improve overall function.
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Diagnosis of idiopathic PD
* Stable medication for at least 4 weeks prior to the study
Exclusion Criteria:
* Use of beta blockers
* Sustained severe hypertension (\>/= 180/110 mmHg while seated)
* Significant uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia
* Unstable angina
* Congestive heart failure
* History of myocardial infarction
* History of seizures
* Severe cognitive impairment
* Pregnant women or women who are planning to become pregnant
Study design
Enrollment target: 24 participants
Allocation: randomized
Masking: single
Age groups: adult, older_adult
Timeline
Starts: 2025-09-15
Estimated completion: 2026-12-31
Last updated: 2026-06-18
Interventions
Device: transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation
Primary outcomes
- • Change in heart rate (During Visit 2 and Visit 3 (1-2 weeks after baseline, with 48 hour wash-out between visits 2 and 3), during and following 15 minutes of stimulation.)
- • Change in blood pressure (During Visit 2 and Visit 3 (1-2 weeks after baseline, with 48 hour wash-out between visits 2 and 3), during and following 15 minutes of stimulation.)
Sponsor
University of Alabama at Birmingham · other
Contacts & investigators
ContactAlexandra Evancho, DPT · contact · amelgin@uab.edu · 205-975-5221
All locations (1)
Wellness, Health and Research Facility at UABRecruiting
Birmingham, Alabama, United States