Home-based Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) for IBS Pain

Recruiting

Home-Based Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) for Pain and Symptom Management Among Young Adults With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Who can join

Ages 18 to 29 · All sexes

Full eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 - 29 years of age;
* Men and women;
* Diagnosis of IBS from a healthcare provider with current report of pain (volunteers asked to bring provider-verification of IBS diagnosis based on Rome IV criteria to initial study appointment);
* Experiencing moderate pain (≥3 out of 10 on numeric rating scale \[NRS\]) at least 4 days of the week and lasting previous three months;
* Daily access to a computer connected to the internet; and
* Able to read and speak English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other chronic pain condition;
* Celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease;
* Diabetes mellitus;
* severe psychiatric condition requiring inpatient treatment in previous 6 months;
* Pregnancy or lactation;
* Regular use of opioids or other illicit substances;
* use of probiotics or antibiotics within 2 weeks from enrollment; and
* any other conditions/contraindications that prohibit the application of taVNS including but not limited to any current or past history of cardiovascular disorders, recent ear trauma, and metal implants above the level of the neck.

About the study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn the feasibility and safety of using home-based taVNS in young adults with IBS to manage their IBS-related pain and symptoms. It will also learn about participants' experience in using the home-based taVNS intervention. The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Is it feasible to use a home-based taVNS intervention for pain and symptom management among YAs with IBS? * Is it safe and reported satisfactory to use a home-based taVNS intervention for pain and symptom management among YAs with IBS? Researchers will compare Active to Sham taVNS (a look-alike intervention that contains minimal stimulation) to see if Active taVNS works on managing IBS-related pain and symptoms.

Participants will:

* Take Active or Sham taVNS intervention for a 6-week treatment (twice daily, 30 minutes per session) * Visit the research lab at the initial setup and the end of the 6-week treatment for checkups and tests * Keep a diary of their symptoms and the number of times they use the taVNS.

What is being tested

Home-based taVNS intervention (device)

Sponsor: Yale University · Participants: 80 · Started: Jan 19, 2026

Contact the study team

Xiaomei S Cong, PhD · Phone: 8606179849
Jie Chen, PhD · Phone: 850-645-0657

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06847360

Locations in the U.S.

Connecticut

Yale University, New Haven

Conditions

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