Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) and Cognition in Young Adult Vapers
This pilot study is looking at how non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) affects thinking skills in young adults who use e-cigarettes or vape. Researchers will use a device called Truvaga Plus to give either a real nVNS treatment or a control (inactive) stimulation to your neck for two minutes. Immediately after, you'll complete tests to measure your attention and processing speed. The study aims to see if stimulating the vagus nerve, which is involved in brain functions like attention, can help improve these skills in vapers. You can join if you are a healthy young adult between 18 and 25 years old and currently or previously used e-cigarettes. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status and plans to enroll 100 participants.
- Study design
- This is a single-blind, randomized study with 100 participants, meaning you won't know if you're receiving the active or control stimulation.
- What's involved
- You will receive a 2-minute stimulation to your neck and then complete three cognitive tests immediately after the intervention.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Your cognitive abilities will be measured immediately after the intervention, with one test also measured before the intervention.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) and Cognition in Young Adult Vapers - A Pilot Study
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesStudy leadership
- Vinay Parikh, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Temple University
- Jason Chein, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Temple University
- Tania Giovannetti, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Temple University
Who to contact
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Do you actually qualify for this trial?
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Inclusion
Exclusion
What this trial measures
- Efficiency of Attentional Networks using the Attention Network task (ANT)Immediately after intervention
The Attentional Network Task (ANT) measures alerting, orienting, and executive attention that combines spatial cues with different flanker conditions. The efficiency of these three attentional networks is assessed by averaging reaction times and accuracy.
- Attention and Processing Speed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)Immediately after intervention
The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is a sensitive and reliable neuropsychological test for the evaluation of speed of information processing, scanning and tracking aspects of attention, and working memory. SDMT is a simple substitution task that uses a reference key for the participants to pair specific numbers with given geometric figures. The test score is calculated based on the number of correct responses in 90 seconds.
- Lexical Retrieval using the Verbal Fluency TaskBefore and immediately after the intervention.
The Verbal Fluency Task is a neuropsychological measure of lexical retrieval efficiency and executive functioning. In this test, the participants are asked to name the words that starts with a specific alphabet (phonemic fluency) in 60 seconds. The verbal fluency score is calculated based on the number of correct/acceptable words produced within the allotted time.