Fast Facts
Adults with a dry cough for 8+ weeks, with a doctor who evaluated their cough and didn’t identify a cause
Ages 18-88
Compensation
up to $400
Conducted Remotely
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to better understand long‑lasting dry cough, when a doctor has evaluated your cough and didn’t identify a cause, and to explore ways to improve health outcomes and quality of life for adults experiencing these symptoms. This study is about testing the feasibility of using a non-invasive stimulation (VTS) on your throat for chronic cough.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-88
- Dry cough lasting 8+ weeks
- A doctor evaluated your cough and didn’t identify a cause
- Able to complete remote study activities in English
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current or recent smoking (quit < 3 months ago)
- Taking ACE‑inhibitors
- Current infection, COPD, interstitial lung disease, or neuromuscular impairment
- Hand or arm problems that would prevent you from placing a soft fabric-covered device around your neck
- Unmanaged reflux, asthma, allergies, sinusitis, or other lung problems
- Ongoing or expected changes in cough treatment, including:
- Doing speech therapy for cough
- Starting new medications targeting cough
- Planned changes in opioid or neuromodulating medications (gabapentin, pregabalin, amitriptyline)
- Conditions that may interfere with using the VTS (a neck-worn vibrotactile stimulation device), such as:
- Electronic implants (e.g., pacemaker)
- Physical limitations that prevent applying the device
- Around‑the‑clock benzodiazepine use (3+ doses per day)
The study lasts 7 weeks and includes three main components:
wearing a cough‑monitor smartwatch,
completing online questionnaires, and
using the VTS stimulation device.
During the seven‑week participation period, you will wear a cough‑monitor smartwatch on your wrist and complete a daily cough diary. For Weeks 2–7 (all weeks except the first), you will also use the vibrotactile stimulation (VTS) device on your neck. During the first two weeks of stimulation, you will wear the VTS device for 20 minutes each day; during the next two weeks, you will wear it for 30 minutes each day; and during the final two weeks, you will wear it for 30 minutes twice daily, at least six hours apart.
Participants may receive up to $400 in compensation for their time.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.