Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Motor Function, Respiratory Muscle Strength, and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Other, Device
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability worldwide. Loss of upper extremity (UE) function after stroke significantly reduces independence and quality of life. Moreover, weakness in the respiratory muscles negatively affects trunk control and respiratory function, limiting overall functional recovery. In recent years, robot-assisted training (RAT) and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques-particularly transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS)-have emerged as promising approaches to enhance neuroplasticity in stroke rehabilitation. This study aims to investigate the effects of taVNS combined with robot-assisted training on upper extremity motor function, respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life in individuals with stroke. This randomized controlled trial will be conducted in collaboration between Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa and Istanbul Medeniyet University. Thirty individuals aged 18-70 years, with moderate-to-severe upper extremity weakness and a history of stroke of at least six months, will be included. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: RAT + taVNS (n=15), RAT + sham taVNS (n=15). Both groups will receive conventional rehabilitation for 45 minutes, three times per week for five weeks. Additionally, each group will undergo 45-minute sessions of RAT twice per week for five weeks, with either active or sham taVNS applied concurrently. The primary outcome measure will be the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Assessment (FM-UE). Secondary outcomes will include the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP), and Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the fifth week. Combining taVNS with robot-assisted upper extremity rehabilitation is expected to result in greater improvements in motor function, respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life compared to robot-assisted rehabilitation alone. This study will provide valuable insights into the synergistic effects of neuromodulation and robotic therapy in stroke rehabilitation and contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting non-invasive, technology-assisted treatment approaches.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: 70
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• Individuals aged 18-70 years diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke lasting longer than 6 months,

• Moderate to severe upper extremity weakness (20-50 out of 66 on the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Assessment Scale),

• Ability to communicate and understand (Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 23),

• Upper extremity spasticity of 2 or less on the Modified Ashworth Scale.

Locations
Other Locations
Turkey
İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Büyükçekmece Yerleşkesi
RECRUITING
Istanbul
Contact Information
Primary
Yusuf Açıkgöz
fztysfackgz@gmail.com
+905396335531
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-10-06
Estimated Completion Date: 2026-06-01
Participants
Target number of participants: 30
Treatments
Active_comparator: Robotics Assisted Education + taVNS
Sham_comparator: Robotics Assisted Education + sham
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov