CI

At a glance

ClinicalIndex Comparison Record
N/ACompleted· 28 enrolled
Drug / intervention
transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) 15 minutes +5 moredevice
Likely dose
Not stated in record
Structured eligibility isn't available for this trial yet — see the full criteria in the Eligibility tab below.

Standardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.

Search/NCT04812015
NCT04812015N/ACompleted

Optimizing Transdiagnostic Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Enhance Learning

Medical University of South Carolina·interventional·Posted Mar 23, 2021·Updated Aug 13, 2025

In Brief

A clinical study evaluating transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) 15 minutes, taVNS 30 minutes, and 4 other interventions for Learning and taVNS. Completed, enrolled 28 participants across 1 site.

Detailed Summary

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.

Study Details

Study Typeinterventional
Allocation--
Masking--
Primary Purpose--
ConditionsLearning, taVNS
CountriesUnited States
Collaborators--

Timeline

N/ACompletedFinished
20222023202420252026
First PostedMar 23, 2021
Enrollment StartJul 6, 2022
Primary CompletionMar 1, 2023
TodayJul 2, 2026
Enrollment to primary: 8 monthsPosted 5.3 years ago

Interventions

transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) 15 minutesdevice

Sham 60 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 15 minutes

taVNS 30 minutesdevice

Sham 45 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 30 minutes

taVNS 45 minutesdevice

Sham 30 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 45 minutes

taVNS 60 minutesdevice

Sham 15 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 60 minutes

taVNS 75 minutesdevice

Sham 0 minutes and taVNS active stimulation for 75 minutes

taVNS 0 minutesdevice

Sham taVNS 75 minutes