Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Motor Function, Respiratory Muscle Strength, and Qua
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability worldwide. Loss of upper extremity (UE) function after stroke significantly reduces independence and quality of life. Moreover, weakness in the respiratory muscles negatively affects trunk control and respiratory function, limiting overall functional
| Condition(s) | Stroke, Stroke Treatment |
|---|---|
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | NA |
| Study type | Interventional |
| Summary | Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability worldwide. Loss of upper extremity (UE) function after stroke significantly reduces independence and quality of life. Moreover, weakness in the respiratory muscles negatively affects trunk control and respiratory function, limiting overall functional recovery. In recent years, robot-assisted training (RAT) and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques-particularly transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS)-have emerged as promising approaches to enhance neuroplasticity in stroke rehabilitation. This study aims to investigate the effects of taVNS combined with robot-assisted training on upper extremity motor function, respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life in individuals with stroke. This randomized |
| Who can participate | Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged 18-70 years diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke lasting longer than 6 months, * Moderate to severe upper extremity weakness (20-50 out of 66 on the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Assessment Scale), * Ability to communicate and understand (Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 23), * Upper extremity spasticity of 2 or less on the Modified Ashworth Scale. Exclusion Criteria: * Use of any stimulation device, such as a pacemaker or other neurostimulator, * Presence of a medical or cognitive condition (personality disorder, anxiety, depression, etc.) that would prevent participants from participating in the study, * Receiving a Botox injection into the affected upper extremity at least 4 weeks prior, * Severe spasticity in the upper extr |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Lead sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa |
| Locations | Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) |
| Start date | 2025-10-06 |
| NCT ID | NCT07259577 |
| Official listing | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07259577 |