Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Knee Osteoarthritis
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) for knee osteoarthritis?
Research on similar conditions, like erosive hand osteoarthritis, shows that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) can reduce pain and inflammation. A pilot study found that tVNS significantly decreased hand pain and improved function, suggesting it might also help with knee osteoarthritis.12345
Is vagus nerve stimulation safe for humans?
How does transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) differ from other treatments for knee osteoarthritis?
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is unique because it involves non-invasive electronic stimulation of the ear's auricular concha to potentially reduce pain, unlike other treatments that may involve medication or surgery. This method is being tested for its effectiveness in knee osteoarthritis, offering a novel approach that could complement existing therapies.1112131415
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical trial is to test the feasibility and effectiveness of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) to the ear on pain and autonomic function in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1) whether tVNS is feasible to be used in people with knee OA; 2) whether tVNS demonstrates the trend in improving knee pain; and 3) whether tVNS has physiological effects on autonomic function (e.g., parasympathetic function) and pain perception in the central nervous system such as brain (i.e., central pain mechanisms). Participants will be asked to complete a battery of self-reported questionnaires about their demographic and behavioral information, ethnicity, pain, sleep, psychological/emotional symptoms. Subsequently, participants will complete baseline assessment where investigators will assess their knee pain severity, central pain sensitivity, and heart rate variability (a measurement for autonomic function). Then participants will receive a 60-minute tVNS. Investigators will redo the same assessment as baseline assessment after tVNS intervention to see the degree of knee pain, central pain sensitivity, and autonomic function changes. At the end of the study, investigators will assess their satisfaction level with the tVNS intervention and the feasibility of the intervention (e.g., completion rate, side effects).
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 45 with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis, experiencing an average pain intensity of 4 or higher on a scale of 0 to 10. Participants should have had this pain for at least three months and be able to communicate in English.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete self-reported questionnaires and baseline assessments of knee pain severity, central pain sensitivity, and heart rate variability.
tVNS Intervention
Participants receive a 60-minute transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) session at the cymba concha of the left ear.
Post-Intervention Assessment
Investigators assess changes in knee pain, central pain sensitivity, and autonomic function immediately after and 15 minutes after tVNS intervention.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including satisfaction level and safety assessment.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Texas, El Paso
Lead Sponsor