Non-invasive Modulation of Autonomic Cardiac Nervous System

Effects of Non Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Subjects and on Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity

To demonstrate the effect of non invasive vagus nerve (VNS) stimulation on heart rate variability and MSNA signal.

First part: Assessment of the muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) at baseline using microneurography performed on the superficial peroneal nerve.

Second part: Acquisition of the MSNA signal during non-invasive VNS and apnea. Non-invasive VNS is performed using several frequencies of stimulation. Maximal and voluntaries apnea are performed at the end of the expiration.

Continuous recording of the following parameters:

• non-invasive arterial blood pressure
• R-R interval
• electrocardiogram
• MSNA activity
• respiratory curve signal
• respiratory rate, oxygen saturation

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy volunteers
• >18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding
• smoke
• alcool/energy drinks/coffee consumption, exertion 24h before the participation