Effect of Recording Duration on Heart Rate Variability During taVNS

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-40
SponsorSinop University

About this trial

This study aims to evaluate how different heart rate variability (HRV) recording durations reflect autonomic nervous system responses during transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in healthy adults. In a randomized, sham-controlled crossover design, participants will attend two separate sessions and receive both active taVNS and sham stimulation in randomized order. During each session, a continuous 10-minute HRV recording will be obtained, and 1-minute, 5-minute, and 10-minute analysis windows will be compared. Blood pressure and pulse will also be measured before and after stimulation. The study will investigate whether shorter or longer HRV recording durations provide results comparable to the standard 5-minute recording and which duration most reliably detects autonomic changes during taVNS.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Healthy volunteers aged 18 to 40 years

Able and willing to provide informed consent

Able to tolerate active transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and sham stimulation

Able to comply with study instructions, including restrictions related to caffeine, nicotine, and heavy exercise before assessment

Disqualifiers

Diagnosed cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, or pacemaker use

History of neurologic disease that may affect autonomic nervous system function

Regular use of medications that may affect heart rate variability or autonomic responses, including beta blockers, antiarrhythmics, or anticholinergic drugs

Active ear infection, dermatologic lesion, or any ear condition that may interfere with stimulation

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation
  • Sham Stimulation

Treatment groups

40 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators