Monday, July 28, 2025

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Could Help People Get More Exercise

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An experimental device that stimulates a key nerve connecting the heart and brain can improve fitness and exercise tolerance, according to research published in the European Heart Journal .

Using a vagus nerve stimulator for 30 minutes a day, over just one week, increased oxygen uptake during exercise, and improved other key indicators of fitness, the study found.

The team think the device, which delivers gentle electrical stimulation to increase the activity of the vagus nerve, could one day help people who are less physically active, such as those with heart failure , to exercise more, improving their overall well-being.

The vagus nerve has a crucial role in regulating heart function, but also controls other organs and systems, such as digestive and immune systems.

The study, led by researchers at University College London and Queen Mary University of London, involved 28 people who had no chronic or serious illnesses which would impact their ability to exercise. Half were randomly assigned to wear a vagus nerve stimulator for 30 minutes every day for a week, while the other group wore a dummy device. The small devices were clipped onto the outer ear.

After a two-week break, each group switched to using the other device. All participants took part in exercise testing at the beginning and end of the week that they wore the devices.

Source: Found here

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