Ear zaps might boost brain power in heart patients
NCT ID NCT07063381
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a simple, non-invasive device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (tVNS) to see if it can improve cognitive function in people over 60 with atrial fibrillation. For 6 months, 60 participants will use the device daily after exercise. Researchers will measure brain activity and reaction times to see if the stimulation helps.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a safe, non-drug way to help maintain or improve cognitive function in people with atrial fibrillation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 60 participants. It focuses on brain activity and reaction time, not yet on real-world thinking improvements. The effect may be small or not last.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
-
Bakulev National Medical Research Center for Cardiovascular Surgery
Moscow, 121552, Russia
-
Neurodynamics and Cognitive Technologies Research Laboratory of the Neuroscience Research Institute
Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- AI reads Single-Lead ECG to predict AFib with rapid heart rate within two hours
- Heart signals may reveal if a common AFib procedure will last