Virtual Workout Approach to Reaping the Benefits of Physical Activity: Exploring the Effects of Transauricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) on Sympatho-vagal activity in Healthy Individuals

In this research project we will use a specific study design called a prospective cross-sectional study. They plan to study the effects of a treatment called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on heart rate variability (HRV) recorded by ECG and Respiratory rate (Deep Breathing test) on 32 participants.

To participate in the study, individuals must meet strict eligibility criteria, like not having certain medical conditions or taking certain medications. They also have to follow specific rules before the testing session, such as not smoking or exercising for a certain amount of time.

Once participants agree to take part, the researchers will measure their height and weight and ask them questions about their physical activity level. Then, participants will sit comfortably and relax for 10 minutes before the researchers start recording their heart activity. The study involves two types of sessions for each participant: a real taVNS session and a fake taVNS session (sham). The active or and sham stimulation will be given to either right or left ear assigned randomly. These sessions will be randomly assigned to participants to avoid any bias. During these sessions, electrical stimulation will be applied to specific parts of the ear using a special technique. The researchers will adjust the stimulation intensity based on the participant’s perception of sensation. The research team will carefully record and analyze the data from these sessions to see if taVNS has any effects on HRV. This study is designed to provide reliable and unbiased results about the treatment’s effectiveness.