Could a tiny ear zap boost exercise recovery in chronic fatigue?
NCT ID NCT06170645
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation) can help people with chronic fatigue from fibromyalgia or long COVID get more benefit from exercise. 60 adults who still feel very tired after a standard exercise program will use the device alongside a 3-month exercise plan. The goal is to see if the device reduces fatigue and improves recovery, making it easier to stick with exercise.
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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 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2024
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2028
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 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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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: * Patient over 18 years old * Signature of informed consent * Confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia or long Covid (ACR 2016 criteria and persistent symptoms lasting more than 6 months after a positive RT-PCR test, respectively) * Persistent fatigue after an exercise rehabilitation program (FSS score \> 36) * Physical inactivity, i.e. \<150 minutes per week of physical activity Exclusion Criteria: * Pre-existing atrial fibrillation, * Left ventricular ejection fraction \<40% * Severe heart failure * Recent stroke or myocardial infarction (\<6 months) * Unilateral or bilateral vagotomy * Pregnancy or breastfeeding
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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
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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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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Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Etienne
RECRUITINGSaint-Etienne, 42055, France
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Why some days hurt more: charting Fibromyalgia's daily swings
- Zapping the vagus nerve: a new hope for fibromyalgia pain?