Effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials - Takeaways - MDSpire

Effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

  • By

  • Shuaijing Wan

  • Xiaolu Liu

  • Wenjing Jiang

  • Zesen Li

  • Zhexuan Yan

  • Weibo Li

  • Yu Yin

  • May 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) significantly improves motor function, mental health, and activities of daily living in stroke patients.

  • 2

    The systematic review included ten randomized controlled trials with a total of 512 participants assessing the efficacy of taVNS.

  • 3

    Results showed significant improvements in motor function scores (SMD = 1.21), mental health scores (SMD = 0.84), and ADL scores (SMD = 0.94) with taVNS.

  • 4

    Subgroup analysis indicated better outcomes for stroke patients receiving 20 Hz taVNS with at least 10 treatment sessions.

  • 5

    The study highlights the importance of stimulation frequency, current strength, and treatment duration in optimizing taVNS effectiveness for stroke recovery.

Original Source(s)

Effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

  • by Shuaijing Wan, Xiaolu Liu, Wenjing Jiang, Zesen Li, Zhexuan Yan, Weibo Li, Yu Yin

  • May 4, 2026

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