This study is a double blind comparative study exploring the neural underpinnings of taVNS modulating PD motor deficits. We hypothesize that taVNS might improve PD motor deficits by regulating the balance between excitation and inhibition in the primary motor cortex.
Patients in the Experimental group underwent fourteen consecutive daily sessions of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS, twice daily, 30 minutes each time) , whereas patients in the sham stimulation group underwent fourteen consecutive daily sessions of sham taVNS with the electrodes were fixed at the left earlobe . Assessments of motor symptoms and cortical activity (using Functional near-infrared spectroscopy and Transcranial magnetic stimulation) were performed two times: at baseline, one day post intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
32
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation was conducted by transcutaneous electrical stimulation therapy instrument to the cymba conchae of left ear in the vicinity of the auricular branch vagus nerve. Stimulation parameters: frequency = 20 Hz; pulse width = 500 μs, twice a day, 30 minutes each time.
In the sham stimulation group, the electrodes were fixed at the left earlobe with the same stimulus parameters. Stimulation parameters: frequency = 20 Hz; pulse width = 500 μs, twice a day, 30 minutes each time.
the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
RECRUITINGalterations in functional topological properties within the cortex of bilateral cerebral hemispheres-Sigma
Resting state fNIRS data was preprocessed to obtain the cortical oxyhemoglobin values which indicate the cortical excitability. Based on the established cortical functional network, we calculate three typical global parameters named small-worldness (Sigma) which can valuatable cortical network small world attributes.
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, one day post intervention
alterations in functional topological properties within the cortex of bilateral cerebral hemispheres-global efficiency (Eg)
Resting state fNIRS data was preprocessed to obtain the cortical oxyhemoglobin values which indicate the cortical excitability. Based on the established cortical functional network, we calculate three typical global parameters named global efficiency (Eg) which can To evaluate the global efficiency of parallel information transmission in cortical networks.
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, one day post intervention
alterations in functional topological properties within the cortex of bilateral cerebral hemispheres-local efficiency (Eloc)
Resting state fNIRS data was preprocessed to obtain the cortical oxyhemoglobin values which indicate the cortical excitability. Based on the established cortical functional network, we calculate typical global parameter named local efficiency (Eloc) which can evaluate functional separation in cortical networks.
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, one day post intervention
alterations in functional topological properties within the cortex of bilateral cerebral hemispheres-nodal efficiency (Ne)
Resting state fNIRS data was preprocessed to obtain the cortical oxyhemoglobin values which indicate the cortical excitability. Based on the established cortical functional network, we calculate one nodal parameter named nodal efficiency (Ne) which can evaluate the nodal efficiency of information transmission in cortical networks.
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, one day post intervention
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changes in MEPs values
Surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings from the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle were obtained to record motor evoked potentials (MEPs), which underwent amplification and filtering (bandwidth 20 Hz to 2000 Hz).
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, one day post intervention
changes in RMT values
The individual resting motor threshold (RMT) was established as the minimum stimulus intensity required to evoke a MEP peak-to-peak amplitude of at least 0.05 mV in five of ten consecutive trials in a resting muscle.
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, one day post intervention
changes in CSP values
The cortical silent period (CSP) was measured by sEMG of the APB following a single TMS pulse at 130% of the RMT to the opposite PMC-UL, while participants were requested to maintain active contraction of the APB at 20% of the maximum force.
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, one day post intervention
changes in SICI values
Test stimulus intensity was set according to an unconditioned MEP with an amplitude of \~1 mV. For the conditioning stimulus of SICI and ICF, 80% of RMT was used. We tested interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 2 and 4 ms for SICI. Each ISI was repeated 10 times to calculate the average value.
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, one day post intervention
changes in ICF values
Test stimulus intensity was set according to an unconditioned MEP with an amplitude of \~1 mV. For the conditioning stimulus of SICI and ICF, 80% of RMT was used. We tested interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 10 and 15 ms for ICF. Each ISI was repeated 10 times to calculate the average value.
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, one day post intervention
Change from Baseline Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-III at one day post intervention
The measure mainly reflects the overall severity of Parkinson's disease motor symptoms. UPDRS III is a motor examination score that includes 14 items such as facial expression, tremor, rigidity, motor delay, posture disorders, and gait examination, with a total score of 0-56 points. The higher the score, the more severe the physical movement symptoms are.
Time frame: Assessed at baseline, one day post intervention