Randomised Controlled TrialtaVNSn = 41

Effects of taVNS on physiological responses and cognitive performance during a mental stressor

Drost L, Schulz A, Möck A, Vögele C

Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience · 2025

Key finding

Although taVNS increased heart rate variability and electrodermal activity during stimulation, it did not modulate physiological or psychological responses to an acute stressor or improve cognitive performance (null result).

Condition
Stress & Performance
Stimulation
taVNS
Evidence tier
Randomised Controlled Trial
Participants
41
View on DOI

Cite this study

Drost, L., Schulz, A., Möck, A., & Vögele, C. (2025). Effects of taVNS on physiological responses and cognitive performance during a mental stressor. Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience, 25(6), 1655-1666. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13415-025-01341-w

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