Pilot Study - Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Effects on Cardiovascular Parameters

Functional Mapping of Auricular Vagal Stimulation Points on Cardiovascular Parameters in Healthy Subjects - Pilot Study

The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the effect of auricular autonomous nervous system stimulation on cardiovascular parameters and sympathovagal balance in healthy subjects. It is investigated if auricular vagal nerve stimulation affects heart rate variability as well as peripheral local blood perfusion, and if this effect depends on the site of stimulation in the auricle, whereas four distinct stimulation points are tested.

Inclusion Criteria:

• men and women aged 20 to 50 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• participation in a clinical trial in the last 5 weeks
• diseases which may affect the autonomous nervous system (e.g., diabetes mellitus)
• confounding medical treatment with known effects on the autonomous nervous system (e.g., beta blocker)
• drug abuse
• active implanted devices
• pregnancy or nursing