Key result
Auricular vagus nerve acupuncture increases HRV ~19% versus placebo in healthy young men.
Why the study?
Recent studies showed antiarrhythmic effects inhibiting atrial fibrillation inducibility with electrical stimulation at the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN), prompting investigation into the effects of acupuncture at the ABVN on the autonomic cardiac nervous system in humans.
Does acupuncture at the auricular branch of the vagus nerve improve heart rate variability and parasympathetic tone in healthy young men?
RCT (n=24)
Single-blind
Randomized sequence
No
Does acupuncture at the auricular branch of the vagus nerve improve heart rate variability and parasympathetic tone in healthy young men?
Absolute Event Rate: 93% vs 78%
p-value: p=0.012
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
May enhance parasympathetic tone in healthy subjects; leaves open clinical utility pending trials in patients.
Boehmer et al. (2020) conducted an RCT in Healthy volunteers (n=24). Acupuncture at the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN) vs. Placebo-acupuncture at the Ma-35 point was evaluated on Standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) in supine position (p=0.012). Acupuncture at the auricular branch of the vagus nerve significantly increased overall heart rate variability (SDNN) by approximately 19% and reduced heart rate by 4-6% compared to placebo in healthy young men.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: