A gentle buzz on the ears may sharpen balance — a trial puts it to the test
NCT ID NCT07730398
First seen Jul 28, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a mild electrical current applied behind the ears can improve how healthy adults sense and control their balance. Each participant will try two types of stimulation (low-frequency and high-frequency) as well as a no-stimulation session. Researchers will measure how accurately they detect motion, track movement, and correct for disturbances.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) delivered through electrodes on the mastoid bones
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive way to enhance balance and spatial awareness in healthy people or astronauts.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial in only 18 healthy adults. The effects may be subtle or not translate to real-world performance.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Nasa Jsc B21
Houston, Texas, 77058, United States
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