Acute transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation significantly increased the invigoration of effort for rewards compared to sham stimulation (b = 2.93, p = 0.004).
RCT (n=81)
Single-blind
Randomized cross-over design
No
Does non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation enhance effort exertion for rewards in human participants?
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation enhances reward-seeking behavior by boosting effort invigoration, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for motivational deficiencies.
Mean Difference: 2.93 (95% CI 0.98–4.88)
p-value: p=0.004
Interoceptive feedback transmitted via the vagus nerve plays a vital role in motivation by tuning actions according to physiological needs. Whereas vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) reinforces actions in animals, motivational effects elicited by VNS in humans are still largely elusive. Here, we applied non-invasive transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) on the left or right ear while participants exerted effort to earn rewards using a randomized cross-over design (vs. sham). In line with preclinical studies, acute taVNS enhances invigoration of effort, and stimulation on the left side primarily facilitates invigoration for food rewards. In contrast, we do not find conclusive evidence that acute taVNS affects effort maintenance or wanting ratings. Collectively, our results suggest that taVNS enhances reward-seeking by boosting invigoration, not effort maintenance and that the stimulation side affects generalization beyond food reward. Thus, taVNS may enhance the pursuit of prospective rewards which may pave avenues to treat motivational deficiencies.
Neuser et al. (Thu,) conducted a rct in Healthy individuals (n=81). Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) vs. Sham stimulation (at the earlobe) was evaluated on Invigoration of effort (invigoration slope) (b = 2.93, 95% CI 0.98-4.88, p=0.004). Acute transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation significantly increased the invigoration of effort for rewards compared to sham stimulation (b = 2.93, p = 0.004).