Ear stimulation zaps stress in overworked healthcare workers

NCT ID NCT04703907

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University Medicine Greifswald Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a gentle ear stimulation technique could reduce stress and anxiety in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 62 workers were randomly assigned to receive the stimulation or be placed on a waiting list. The goal was to see if this simple, non-drug approach could help ease the mental burden of working on the front lines.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: auricular stimulation (percutaneous sensory stimulation of cranial nerves)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, non-drug way to help healthcare workers manage stress and anxiety during crises.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early study with only 62 participants. The results may not apply to other groups or settings, and the effect might be due to placebo.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

STRESS AND ANXIETY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University Medicine of Greifswald

Greifswald, 17475, Germany

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.