Key result
New RCT protocol tests whether taVNS improves cardiorespiratory fitness in subacute stroke patients.
Why the study?
Stroke patients frequently have reduced cardiorespiratory fitness increasing cardiovascular risk, and conventional rehabilitation has limited efficacy, while the effect of taVNS remains unclear.
Does transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improve peak oxygen uptake in patients with subacute stroke?
Population
160 patients with subacute stroke
Comparison
Active taVNS plus conventional rehabilitation vs sham stimulation plus conventional rehabilitation
Design
Randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors
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Planned RCT tests taVNS addition to rehab for VO₂peak in subacute stroke; leaves open whether it improves cardiorespiratory fitness.
RCT (n=160)
Partial blinding (participants, clinicians, outcome assessors, and analysts blinded)
Stratified block randomization
No
Does transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improve peak oxygen uptake in patients with subacute stroke?
This study protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial to investigate whether transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improves cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with subacute stroke.
Han et al. (2026) conducted an RCT in Subacute stroke (n=160). Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) vs. Sham stimulation (0 mA) was evaluated on Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) at post-intervention (week 4). This is a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial aiming to investigate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with subacute stroke; no results are available yet.
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