Effect of T6 Dermatome Electrical Stimulation on Gastroduodenal Motility in Healthy Volunteers

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The investigators are doing this research study to find out the effect of T6 Dermatomal Electrical Stimulation (delivered by a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit) on stomach motor activity.

Official Title
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Effect of T6 Dermatome Electrical Stimulation on Gastroduodenal Motility in Healthy Volunteers

Conditions
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Weight Loss

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Elira Investigational TENS device


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy volunteers with BMI ≤34.99 kg/m^2 residing within 125 miles of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota; these will be healthy individuals with no unstable psychiatric disease and not currently on treatment for cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, hematological, neurological, or endocrine (other than hyperglycemia on diet) disorders. Women of childbearing potential will be using an effective form of contraception, and have negative pregnancy tests within 48 hours of the test day. Subjects must have the ability to provide informed consent before any trial-related activities. Eligible individuals will be asked to avoid taking additional medications and supplements for one week before and after the test day, unless reviewed and approved by the study team. Exclusion Criteria: Abdominal surgery other than appendectomy, Caesarian section or tubal ligation. Positive history of chronic gastrointestinal diseases, systemic disease that could affect gastrointestinal motility, or use of medications that may alter gastrointestinal motility. Positive history of spinal cord injury and/or chronic back pain. Significant untreated psychiatric dysfunction based upon screening with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Inventory (HAD). If such a dysfunction is identified by a HAD score >11 on either Anxiety or Depression or difficulties with substance or eating disorders, the participant will be excluded and given a referral letter to his/her primary care doctor for further appraisal and follow-up. Intake of medication, whether prescribed or over the counter (except multivitamins), within 7 days of the study. Exceptions are birth control pill, estrogen replacement therapy, thyroxine replacement therapy, low dose analgesia or anti-inflammatory medications (Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen) and any medication administered for co-morbidities as long as they do not alter gastrointestinal motility. Subjects may also be excluded from participation for other factors at the discretion of the principal investigator.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) stimulation<br>During this TENS unit stimulation arm, subjects will have a narrow tube (about the diameter of a telephone cord) placed into the subjects small intestine by the study physician and trained technician. The technician will use a small amount of fluoroscopy (radiation) to make sure the tube is placed in the proper position. About one hour after the tube has been placed subjects will be given a breakfast meal. The narrow tube (GDM) will take pressure readings after being placed. After four hours, subjects will again be given a second meal. Fifteen minutes of electrical stimulation will be given to subjects fifteen minutes before ingestion of lunch. After ingestion of lunch, 60 minutes of the electrical stimulation will be applied. When the test is done, the tube will be removed. | Device: Elira Investigational TENS device<br>* TENS unit placed on skin will deliver electric stimulation to abdominal area.<br>* Other names: Electric Stimulation from TENS unit;|
| Sham Comparator: No TENS stimulation<br>During this no TENS unit stimulation arm, subjects will have a narrow tube (about the diameter of a telephone cord) placed into the subjects small intestine by the study physician and trained technician. The technician will use a small amount of fluoroscopy (radiation) to make sure the tube is placed in the proper position. About one hour after the tube has been placed subjects will be given a breakfast meal. The narrow tube (GDM) will record stomach pressure readings after being placed. After four hours, subjects will again be given a second meal. The TENS unit stimulation will be placed but no electrical stimulation will be given. When the test is done, the tube will be removed. | Device: Elira Investigational TENS device<br>* TENS unit placed on skin will deliver electric stimulation to abdominal area.<br>* Other names: Electric Stimulation from TENS unit;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Effect of T6 Dermatomal Electrical Stimulation on Subjects Stomach Motor Activity | Testing to see if dermatomal electrical stimulation will speed up or slow down the stomach motor activity. | through study completion, an average of 1 year |