Condition · Evidence Hub
Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Sports Recovery
Does vagus nerve stimulation help with sports recovery? 7 human studies have investigated VNS for sports recovery, including 5 RCTs and 2 controlled trials, published between 2017 and 2026, with 6 published since 2022. Studies use transcutaneous auricular (taVNS) and transcutaneous cervical (tcVNS) stimulation. Findings vary by study design and population; the studies below are ranked by evidence strength so you can weigh the research directly.
5 RCTs · 2 controlled trials
Evidence by Tier
strongest → weakest
- 5Randomised controlled trials
- 2Controlled clinical trials
Stimulation Method
- 6taVNS
- 1tcVNS
Research Momentum
6 of 7 studies (86%) published since 2022 — an actively growing evidence base.
The studies
7 studies · strongest evidence firstPost-exercise auricular vagus nerve stimulation modulates autonomic and recovery responses in physically inactive young adults: a randomized controlled trial
Ertürk et al. · Scientific Reports · 2026 · n = 60
RCTstaVNSNon-invasive vagus nerve stimulation and exercise capacity in healthy volunteers: a randomized trial
Ackland et al. · European Heart Journal · 2025 · n = 28
RCTstaVNSEffects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Hemodynamics and Autonomic Function During Exercise Stress Tests in Healthy Volunteers
Yoshida et al. · Circulation Reports · 2025 · n = 15
RCTstaVNSEffects of a single session of noninvasive auricular vagus nerve stimulation on sports performance in elite athletes: an open-label randomized controlled trial
Çalι et al. · Expert review of medical devices · 2024
RCTstcVNSThe effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on cycling ergometry and recovery in healthy young individuals
Hatik et al. · Brain and Behavior · 2023 · n = 90
RCTstaVNSThe vagus nerve: a cornerstone for mental health and performance optimization in recreation and elite sports
Lopez Blanco et al. · Frontiers in psychology · 2025
controlled trialstaVNSAuricular vagal nerve stimulation in peripheral arterial disease patients
Hackl et al. · VASA. Zeitschrift fur Gefasskrankheiten · 2017
controlled trialstaVNS