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

Launched by FENERBAHCE UNIVERSITY · Jan 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new method called Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (TAVSS) to see if it can help improve breathing in patients who have had a stroke. The goal is to find out if this approach can strengthen the muscles we use for breathing and make it easier for stroke survivors to recover. The study is meant for people aged 40 to 80 who had their first stroke 1 to 3 years ago and are still experiencing difficulties with their respiratory functions.

To participate, individuals must be able to follow simple instructions and not have any other serious health issues, such as heart problems or conditions affecting their ability to communicate. Potential participants will not be able to join if they have certain infections, metal implants, or have had surgery recently. Those who join the study can expect to receive TAVSS treatment and be monitored for any changes in their breathing abilities. This trial is currently not recruiting participants, but it is an important step in exploring new ways to support stroke recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Being a chronic stroke patient with an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke diagnosis made 1-3 years ago
• • Having been diagnosed with stroke for the first time
• • Ability to understand and follow simple verbal instructions
• • Being between the ages of 40 and 80
• • No conditions affecting perioral muscles, such as facial paralysis or swallowing disorders
• • No visual, auditory, or communication problems
• • No cardiopulmonary disorders
• • No additional neurological, cardiovascular, orthopedic, or similar conditions causing balance problems
• • Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥24
• • No surgical operations or Botox applications in the last 6 months
• • Scoring 2 or below on the Modified Ashworth Scale
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Presence of infection, ulcer, or scar on the auricle
• • Metallic implants in the skull, hypersensitivity, injury, or inflammation inside the ear
• • Chronic pulmonary and/or cardiac diseases
• • Resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute
• • Devices such as pacemakers or cochlear implants
• • Uncontrolled hypertension
• • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma unrelated to stroke
• • History of surgical operation or Botox application within the last 6 months
• • Presence of aphasia, apraxia, or neglect syndrome
• • History of 2 or more strokes (SVO)
• • Comorbid conditions affecting respiratory functions (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, spinal cord injury, contractures, deformities after fractures, active upper or lower respiratory infections, etc.)
• • Lack of cooperation