Overview
The goal of this clinical trial is to study the effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) on resting-state brain functional connectivity. The study will assess this effect using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in both chronic post-stroke patients and healthy subjects.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does taVNS affect resting-state functional connectivity (measured by fNIRS) in chronic post-stroke patients?
Does taVNS affect resting-state functional connectivity (measured by fNIRS) in healthy subjects?
Are there differences in the effect of taVNS on functional connectivity between the post-stroke group and the healthy group?
Researchers will compare the effect of active taVNS (real stimulation) to a sham stimulation (control) to evaluate its specific impact on the brain's functional networks.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria for post-stroke participant:
- age 18 or older
- Right-handed participant;
- Hemiparesis in the chronic phase (\>6 months post-stroke)
- Participant who has agreed to sign an informed consent form;
- Participant who is affiliated with social security.
Inclusion Criteria for healthy participant:
- age 18 or older
- Right-handed participant;
- Participant who has agreed to sign an informed consent form;
- Participant who is affiliated with social security.
Exclusion Criteria for post-stroke participant:
- Allergy to neoprene (the material used to make the fNIRS cap);
- Hair volume preventing the cap from being put on and/or access to the scalp;
- Cognitive impairment making it impossible to participate in the study;
- Phasic disorders preventing understanding of instructions and effective communication;
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women;
- Persons under legal protection
Exclusion Criteria for post-stroke participant:
- Allergy to neoprene (the material used to make the fNIRS cap);
- Hair volume preventing the cap from being put on and/or access to the scalp;
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women;
- Persons under legal protection