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Near-InfraRed Spectroscopy of Auricular Stimulation

Neural Responses to Tactile Auricular Stimulation Measured by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy in Pain-free Volunteers

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria:

Age of at least 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

1. frequent or chronic pain requiring the use of pain-relieving medications more than twice per week, on average, in the last 3 months,
2. history or symptoms of neuropathy,
3. active lesions or skin disruptions to either ear,
4. recent (\< 3 mo) illicit drug use,
5. history of substance misuse/abuse,
6. current or recent (\<1 month) opioid or marijuana use, and
7. current regular use of psychoactive prescription medications

About the study

This is a single-visit non-invasive study of healthy volunteer subjects. Brain activity will be measured with infra-red light sensors attached to a cap worn on the head, while both ears are gently stimulated with plastic filaments.

What is being tested

• auricular stimulation (other)

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh · Participants: 80 · Started: Aug 12, 2025

Contact the study team

• Carly Riedmann, MPH · Phone: 412-623-4147
• Amy Monroe, MPH, MBA · Phone: 412-623-6382

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06825364

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.