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RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07325058

Tonic Pain and Transauricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation

Exploration of the Effect, and Their Duration, of Different Frequency Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation on Sensory Perception.

Sponsor

Aalborg University

Enrollment

36 participants

Start Date

Dec 18, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Experimental Pain in Healthy Human Subjects

Summary

This study aims to explore the effect of burst-taVNS (electric stimulation of the concha cymba) on tonic (capsaicin-induced skin pain) and acute (pressure pain sensitivity) experimental pain and cardioception. Primary outcomes include pain intensity. Secondary outcomes include sensory thresholds, resting heart rate (EKG), pupillary measurements and conditioned pain modulation.

Eligibility

Min Age: 16 YearsMax Age: 60 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

  • Healthy
  • Speak and understand English
  • -60 years old.

Exclusion Criteria9

  • Pregnant and/or breastfeeding
  • Regular use of cannabis, opioids or other drugs
  • Current or previous neurologic, musculoskeletal, mental, or other illnesses (e.g., brain or spinal cord injuries, degenerative neurological disorders, major depression, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, etc.)
  • Current regular (once or more a week) use of analgesic medication or other medication which may affect the trial (including paracetamol and NSAIDs)
  • Recent history of acute pain particularly in the lower limbs
  • Abnormally disrupted sleep in 24 hours preceding experiment
  • Contraindications to electric stimulation application (history of epilepsy, metal implants in head or jaw, etc.)
  • Lack of ability to cooperate
  • Contraindications for capsaicin including an intolerance chili consumption and burns or wounds to the application site.

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Interventions

DEVICEtaVNS

Two-headed ball-point electrode which is placed in the concha cymba.

DEVICEEarlobe Stimulation

Circular urface adhering electrodes will be attached to either facet of the earlobe.

DEVICESham (No Treatment)

Circular surface adhesive electrodes will be placed on either facet of the earlobe. No current will pass through the electrodes.

Locations(1)

Center For Neuroplasticity and Pain

Aalborg, Denmark

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NCT07325058