Neuromodulation works by either actively stimulating nerves, causing the alteration or modulation of nerve activity by delivering electrical agents directly to a target area. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation is a noninvasive therapy that has demonstrated positive effects in a wide range of conditions. The auricular branch of the vagus nerve is stimulated by electrical pulses in the skin of the ear (cymba conchae). Knowledge about the effects of trigeminal nerve stimulation has increased considerably in recent decades, demonstrating great potential as a therapeutic tool. However, to date, no studies have evaluated the effects of transcutaneous auriculotemporal nerve stimulation (tANS). Therefore, the aim of this study will be to compare the effects of two types of tANS on nociceptive processing in asymptomatic volunteers.
This study will be a randomized, double-blind, crossover pilot clinical trial. Its objective is to compare the immediate effects of two types of transcutaneous auriculotemporal nerve stimulation (tANS) applied to the auricular helix on nociceptive processing in asymptomatic volunteers. Outcome measures will include pressure pain threshold, temporal summation of pain, and conditioned pain modulation. Adverse effects and treatment tolerance will also be recorded. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group 1: tANS using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) Group 2: tANS using electrical stimulation (ES) Each intervention will be administered 72 hours apart at the University of Greater Rosario (Rosario, Argentina). Outcomes will be assessed both before and after each treatment. All assessments will be conducted by a physical therapist blinded to group allocation.
Trancutaneous Auriculotemporal Nerve Stimulation
Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina