Ear zaps may boost brain and sleep in seniors
NCT ID NCT07416708
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear to see if it can improve thinking, sleep, and inflammation in older adults with frailty. Eighty people over 60 received either the active stimulation or a sham version, along with standard physical therapy, for two weeks. Researchers measured changes in cognitive tests, sleep quality, and blood markers of inflammation.
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) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, non-invasive way to help older adults think more clearly and sleep better.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small, short-term study (80 people, 2 weeks) with no phase. The results may not apply to everyone, and the sham group might also improve from other therapies.
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
-
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
-
80 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2024
- Finished
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May 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
60 to 85 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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: Age ≥ 60 years. * Vertebro-peripheral osteoarthritic disease without contraindication for physiotherapy * Patients with cognitive capacity to understand Exclusion Criteria: * History of major psychiatric disorders, under psychiatric medication or optimal treatment for associated symptoms. * Long-term use of corticosteroid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs up to one month before the study * Sedative medication during hospitalization. * Allergies or sensitivities to electrodes or the Nurosym device.
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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
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Balneal and Rehabilitation Sanatorium Techirghiol
Techirghiol, Constanța County, 906100, Romania
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