Can VR and a tiny ear ZAP ease shoulder pain and anxiety?
NCT ID NCT07198737
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study combines virtual reality with a gentle electrical pulse on the ear (called taVNS) to help people with chronic shoulder pain who are waiting for surgery. The goal is to see if this drug-free approach can reduce pain, anxiety, and depression. Only 10 people will take part, and the main focus is on whether the study is feasible and safe.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) paired with virtual reality
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to manage pain, anxiety, and depression before shoulder surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a very small early feasibility study with only 10 people, so results may not apply widely. The combination is new and may not provide meaningful relief.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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East kent Clinical trials Unit
Margate, Kent, CT9, United Kingdom