Studying Non-Invasive Ear Nerve Stimulation to Improve Breathing in Adults Aged 40-80 With Chronic Stroke

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation TAVSS on respiratory muscle strength and function in patients who have had a stroke between one and three years ago. The study focuses on chronic stroke patients who experience respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to complications such as respiratory dysfunction, increased risk of aspiration, and higher mortality. The goal is to explore TAVSS as a potential complementary treatment to improve rehabilitation outcomes in this population. The study involves 50 participants randomized into two groups one receiving TAVSS combined with conventional physiotherapy and the other receiving sham TAVSS with conventional physiotherapy. TAVSS is applied using electrodes placed on specific parts of the outer ear, delivering electrical stimulation continuously for 20 minutes per session, three times a week, for a total of 10 sessions. Both groups also receive individualized physiotherapy including strengthening, stretching, balance exercises, electrotherapy, and neurodevelopmental treatments. Participants will undergo assessments before and after the treatment period, including measurements of chest circumference during deep breathing and respiratory function tests such as maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure, forced expiratory volume in one second FEV1, and forced vital capacity FVC. The primary outcomes focus on changes in respiratory muscle strength and lung function over the four-week treatment period. The study also monitors safety and tolerance of the treatments throughout the participation time.

Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Application on Respiratory Functions in Stroke Patients