Effects of a transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation protocol in individuals with fibromyalgia: study protocol

This study describes a protocol for evaluating the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on pain, the impact of fibromyalgia (FM), and quality of life in women with FM. Forty women 18 to 70 years of age with FM will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: active taVNS and sham taVNS. Pain, the impact of FM, and quality of life will be investigated using validated questionnaires. Assessments will be performed prior to the first intervention session and after the last session. The results of this study may provide a novel non-invasive therapeutic approach for the management of FM-related symptoms.Clinical trial registration The Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry identifier is RBR-2b4t4y2.