NCT07517237

taVNS + CCT for Neurocognitive Rehab

Combining At-Home Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Computerized Cognitive Training for Neurocognitive Rehabilitation

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 45 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether combining transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) with computerized cognitive training might help improve thinking abilities and mood. Participants will self-administer these treatment in their homes and undergo pre- and post-treatment assessments of thinking abilities and mood and brain MRIs.

Detailed description

This is a non-randomized, single arm pilot study of a 2-week at-home treatment combining transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) with computerized cognitive training (CCT) in people with subjective cognitive and psychosocial complaints. The primary objectives are to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of this treatment on cognition, mood, psychosocial function, and brain function.

Conditions

• Psychosocial Well-being
• Neurocognitive Function
• Cognitive Complaint
• Cognitive Dysfunction

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	taVNS	A Soterix Medical Handheld home-based taVNS device combined with web-based adaptive computerized cognitive training (CCT) will be self-administered for 10, 1 hour treatment sessions at home. CCT will be accessed via the web from a tablet or computer. The premise of a combined approach is that taVNS "primes" brain networks that are then engaged by CCT, synergistically enhancing cognitive benefits.
DEVICE	Computerized Cognitive Training	CCT will be delivered through the online BrainHQ platform. Participants will engage in adaptive visual speed of processing training for approx. 30 minutes per session (10 sessions, total CCT time = 300 min).

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-12
• Primary completion: 2026-09-15
• Completion: 2026-09-15
• First posted: 2026-04-08
• Last updated: 2026-04-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated device study