Trans Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Patients With IBS-C

NCT07662083 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 80

Last updated 2026-06-23

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) in adults with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). Participants will be randomized to receive either active or sham stimulation using a non-invasive auricular device over a 60-day period.

The primary objectives are to assess changes in symptom severity and quality of life using validated instruments, including the IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) and the IBS Quality of Life questionnaire (IBS-QOL). Secondary assessments include safety and participant compliance.

This study aims to determine whether ta-VNS is an effective non-invasive therapeutic modality for improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with IBS-C.

Conditions

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)

Interventions

DEVICE

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (ta-VNS)

Delivery of non-invasive electrical stimulation to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve using the Parasym device. Stimulation is applied via an ear clip at 25 Hz and 250 microseconds, with intensity titrated to just below discomfort (0-36 mA). Administered for 30 minutes daily over 60 days.

DEVICE

Sham Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Use of a sham Parasym device that mimics active stimulation but delivers only a brief, low-level output at session onset before ramping down to zero for the remainder of the 30-minute session. Administered daily for 60 days to maintain participant blinding.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • West Virginia University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-07-31
Primary Completion
2027-05-31
Completion
2027-07-31
FDA Device
Yes

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07662083 on ClinicalTrials.gov