Background and aim Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has demonstrated potential efficacy in post-stroke functional recovery. This study aimed to systematically synthesize data evaluating the effects of taVNS in terms of improving motor function, mental health, and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients experiencing stroke following intervention. Methods Electronic databases including EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP were searched from their inception to September 2025. All randomized controlled trials that applied taVNS to patients experiencing stroke were included. Results Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 512 patients were included in the analysis. The results showed that compared with the control group, the taVNS group demonstrated significantly increased motor function scores standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.88–1.55; p 0.001, significantly improved mental health scores (SMD = 0.84, 95% CI: 1.19,–0.49; p 0.001), significantly increased scores in ADL (SMD = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.72–1.17; p 0.001), and significantly different neurophysiological indicators (SMD = 1.60, 95% CI: 0.70–2.51; p = 0.0005). Subgroup analysis revealed superior outcomes in patients with stroke who received 20 Hz taVNS with ≥10 sessions. Conclusion taVNS improves motor function, mental health, and ADL outcomes in patients experiencing stroke. The combination of taVNS stimulation frequency, current intensity, and intervention duration constitutes a key modulator influencing treatment efficacy. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025633212 , identifier PROSPERO (CRD42025633212).
Wan et al. (Mon,) studied this question.