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Comparing the Effects of Different Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (AVNS) Parameters on Neck Pain Intensity, Heart Rate Variability, and Balance in Collegiate Athletes
Led by University of Sharjah · Updated on 2024-06-13
70
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating how auricular vagus nerve stimulation (AVNS) affects neck pain, heart rate variability (HRV), and balance in college athletes. The study aims to compare the effects of two different AVNS settings on these factors. It is believed that AVNS may reduce pain perception, decrease HRV, and improve balance and neck function in this population. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving AVNS with different parameters. Group 1 will receive stimulation at 25 Hz frequency and 250 bc pulse length, while Group 2 will receive stimulation at 10 Hz frequency and 250 bc pulse length. Each participant will have a total of 4 sessions over 2 weeks, with sessions scheduled on the same days each week. The stimulation is delivered using a conventional TENS device with electrodes placed on the tragus of the left ear and left upper trapezius. During the study, neck pain, neck pain disability, balance, and heart rate will be measured up to 6 weeks. Participants will complete questionnaires including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Neck Pain Disability Index. Balance will be assessed using the Biodex Balance System. Heart rate will be monitored with a pulse oximeter before and after stimulation sessions. The study duration includes treatment sessions and follow-up assessments to evaluate the effects of AVNS on the participants.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Compare the Effects of Different AVNS Parameters on Neck Pain, HRV, Balance in Collegiate Atheletes
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male and female healthy collegiate athletes based in UAE
- Age between 18 and 26 years
- High physical activity level according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire
- Body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 25
- Mild to moderate neck pain based on the Neck Pain Disability Index Questionnaire
You will not qualify if you...
- Recent injury within the last three months
- Age below 18 years or above 26 years
- Moderate or low physical activity level according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire
- Body mass index (BMI) below 20 or above 25
- Severe neck pain based on the Neck Pain Disability Index Questionnaire
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants receive auricular vagus nerve stimulation (AVNS) using one of two parameter sets to study effects on neck pain, heart rate variability, and balance. Each session lasts 15 minutes with stimulation applied to the tragus of the left ear and the left upper trapezius. Participants attend 4 sessions over 2 weeks on consistent days each week.
4 sessions (in-person)
Duration - Up to 6 weeks
Participants are monitored for changes in neck pain, neck pain disability, balance, and heart rate for up to 6 weeks after treatment.
Visits as scheduled for assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Sharjah
Sharjah city, United Arab Emirates
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Tamer M Shousha, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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