Ear zap device tested for arthritis hand pain
NCT ID NCT04520516
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear to reduce pain and inflammation in people with a severe form of hand osteoarthritis. 148 participants used either the active device or a sham (fake) device daily for 12 weeks. The goal was to see if the real device could lower hand pain more than the placebo.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-drug, at-home option to ease hand pain and inflammation for people with erosive hand osteoarthritis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with no phase designation. The sham device looks identical but delivers no stimulation, so any benefit may be due to placebo. Results may not apply to all patients.
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
Locations
-
Service de Rhumatologie - Hôpital Saint Antoine
Paris, 75012, France
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