This study has two parts. The study team will evaluate transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) and two sham settings during a passive task while measuring pupillary response. Second, the study team will assign either taVNS, sham, or no intervention during a go/no-go task and evaluate perceptual learning over three sessions which will also include measuring the pupillary response and electroencephalogram (EEG).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
12
taVNS will be delivered by Digitimer DS7 Constant Current Stimulator (an FDA cleared medical device intended for human nerve and muscle stimulation). Stimulation is delivered via sticky pad electrodes all placed on the left side of the body (cymba concha, earlobe, and ulnar side of the wrist). Stimulation is delivered by a 3000ms pulse train (100us pulse width and 25Hz stimulation frequency). The current applied will be between 0.01uA to 9uA. The intervention will be delivered over the course of four sessions approximately one week apart.
Sham stimulation will be delivered by Digitimer DS7 Constant Current Stimulator (an FDA cleared medical device intended for human nerve and muscle stimulation). Stimulation is delivered via sticky pad electrodes all placed on the left side of the body (either earlobe or forearm).
NYU Langone Health - Bellevue Hospital
New York, New York, United States
Change in Time It Takes to Reach 90% of Asymptotic Level Performance
Will be measured during performance on a go/no-go task.
Time frame: Baseline, Month 3
Change in Overall Mean Peak (Pupillary Response)
Pupillary responses will be measured noninvasively using a video camera during a go/no-go task.
Time frame: Baseline, Month 3
Change in Speed of Learning to Perform a Behavioral Task
Will be measured during performance on a go/no-go task.
Time frame: Baseline, Month 3
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