Biomarkers can be evaluated to provide information about disease presence or intensity and treatment efficacy. By recording these biomarkers through noninvasive clinical techniques, it is possible to gain information about the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which involuntarily regulates and adapts organ systems in the body. Machine learning and signal processing methods have made it possible to quantify the behavior of the ANS by statistically analyzing recorded signals. This work will aim to systematically measure ANS function by multiple modalities and use decoding algorithms to derive an index that reflects overall ANS function and/or balance in healthy able-bodied individuals. Additionally, this study will determine how transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), a noninvasive method of stimulating the vagus nerve without surgery, affects the ANS function. Data from this research will enable the possibility of detecting early and significant changes in ANS from "normal" homeostasis to diagnose disease onset and assess severity to improve treatment protocols.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Changes in Heart Rate (Electrocardiography) related to Autonomic Nervous System Perturbations
Timeframe: 4 2-hour sessions over 2 weeks
Changes in Brain Activity (Electroencephalography) related to Autonomic Nervous System Perturbations
Timeframe: 4 2-hour sessions over 2 weeks
Changes in Respiratory Rate related to Autonomic Nervous System Perturbations
Timeframe: 4 2-hour sessions over 2 weeks
Changes in Sweat Gland Activity (Galvanic Skin Response) related to Autonomic Nervous System Perturbations
Timeframe: 4 2-hour sessions over 2 weeks
Changes in Blood Pressure related to Autonomic Nervous System Perturbations
Timeframe: 4 2-hour sessions over 2 weeks
Changes in Skin Temperature related to Autonomic Nervous System Perturbations
Timeframe: 4 2-hour sessions over 2 weeks
Changes in Pupil Size related to Autonomic Nervous System Perturbations
Timeframe: 4 2-hour sessions over 2 weeks