Combining PAS to Non-invasive VNS

The Synergistic Effect of Paired Associative Stimulation and Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Motor-evoked Potential Potentiation in Healthy Subjects

Status

Completed

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT04938284

Enrollment

Registered

2021-06-24

Start date

2021-07-01

Completion date

2021-12-30

Last updated

2025-05-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Spinal Plasticity

Brief summary

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and paired associative stimulation (PAS) have been shown to have efficacy in improving the results of motor rehabilitation after stroke and spinal cord injury, respectively. Here we will investigate in healthy subjects the synergistic effect of these stimulation modalities on motor-evoked potential (MEP) potentiation.

Interventions

DEVICEPAS

Paired associative stimulation is a combination of non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and non-invasive peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)

DEVICEVNS

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation delivered through cymba concha & cymba cavum of the ear.

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

CROSSOVER

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

SINGLE (Subject)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to 75 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Exclusion criteria

* contraindications to TMS (e.g. brain pathology, implanted devices) * contraindications to MRI (e.g. MRI incompatible implants) * continuous use of CNS-active drugs * neurological, psychiatric or cardiovascular disease * drug abuse

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Motor evoked potential (MEP) potentiation	0 minutes after the stimulation protocol	MEPs are responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation recorded from target muscles.

Countries

Finland

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026