Can sound waves tame the autonomic nervous system?
NCT ID NCT05834829
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study explores whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) aimed at specific brain regions can influence how the body controls automatic functions like heart rate and blood pressure. Researchers will apply LIFU or a sham (fake) version to 80 volunteers and measure changes during a cold-water hand immersion test. The goal is to understand if this non-invasive technique can alter autonomic control, which could one day help people with autonomic dysfunction.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment for autonomic dysfunction.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study focused on measuring physiological responses, not treating disease. The intervention is experimental and may not produce meaningful clinical benefits.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Feb 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Does not meet exclusion criteria. Exclusion Criteria: The exclusion criteria below are regularly implemented in MRI, CT, and EEG experiments for the safety of the subjects and for data quality assurance. * Claustrophobia (scanning environment may be uncomfortable). * Contraindications to MRI: including pacemaker, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, cochlear implants, metal in eyes, steel worker, or other implants. * Contraindications to CT: pregnancy * Active medical disorder or treatment with potential central nervous system (CNS) effects (e.g. Alzheimer's) - * History of neurologic disorder. (e.g. Parkinson's, Epilepsy, or Essential Tremor) * History of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness for \>10 minutes. * History of alcohol or drug dependence (through self-report). * History of cardiac disease * A current or prior use of any cardiac medication (e.g. beta blockers or other anti-arrhythmics) * A history of diabetes mellitus or use of diabetic medications (e.g. metformin).
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, United States
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