Participate in Research
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) as an Anti-inflammatory Treatment for Depression following Spinal Cord Injury
Background: Chronic inflammation is a common complication following spinal cord injury that can contribute to a number of other health issues including depression. Spinal cord injury is also associated with changes to the nervous system including reduced activity in an important nerve known as the vagus nerve. There is now evidence that the vagus nerve helps to reduce inflammation which means the reduced activity following spinal cord injury may be contributing to inflammation.
It is possible to stimulate the vagus nerve through an intervention known as vagus nerve stimulation or ‘VNS’. This technique can be performed using electrodes on the skin (referred to as ‘transcutaneous’) of the ear (a region known as the auricle). This technique, referred to transcutaneous auricular VNS, or taVNS for short, has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation in other populations (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) and help improve symptoms of depression but has not yet been assessed in people with spinal cord injury.
Aim: This study will seek to assess whether taVNS is a feasible strategy for people with spinal cord injury by assessing how well participants can adhere to the intervention and whether participants experience any adverse effects. The study results will also provide a preliminary assessment of whether the intervention benefits symptoms of depression and inflammation.
Eligibility: Adults with spinal cord injury of any level or severity.
PI: David Allison, PhD.
How to Participate: Contact Joy Jiang at Joy.Jiang@sjhc.london.on.ca / (437) 363-3116
Intermittent Fasting as an Anti-inflammatory Treatment for Depression Following Spinal Cord Injury
Background: Chronic inflammation is a common complication following spinal cord injury that can contribute to several health issues, including depression. Intermittent fasting is a dietary strategy that has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of depression in able-bodied individuals. However, this has not been assessed in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Behavioural supports such as education, feedback, encouragement, self-monitoring tools, and goal setting may also help people to better adhere to an intermittent fasting intervention.
Aim: This study aims to evaluate whether intermittent fasting, with or without behavioral support techniques, is a safe and effective strategy for reducing inflammation and improving symptoms of depression in individuals with SCI.
Eligibility: Adults with spinal cord injury of any level or severity
PI: David Allison, PhD.
How to Participate: Contact David Allison at David.Allison@sjhc.london.on.ca
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) as an Anti-inflammatory Treatment following Spinal Cord Injury
Background: Chronic inflammation is a common complication following spinal cord injury that can contribute to a number of other health issues. Spinal cord injury is also associated with changes to the nervous system including reduced activity in an important nerve known as the vagus nerve. There is now evidence that the vagus nerve helps to reduce inflammation which means the reduced activity following spinal cord injury may be contributing to inflammation.
It is possible to stimulate the vagus nerve through an intervention known as vagus nerve stimulation or ‘VNS’. This technique can be performed using electrodes on the skin (referred to as ‘transcutaneous’) of the ear (a region known as the auricle). This technique, referred to transcutaneous auricular VNS, or taVNS for short, has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation in other populations (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) but has not yet been assessed in people with spinal cord injury.
Aim: Assess whether a single bout of taVNS is a safe and feasible strategy to increase vagal tone and reduce inflammation.
Eligibility: Adults with spinal cord injury or any level or severity.
How to Participate: Study completed.
