Ear zaps tested for nervous system boost in seniors
NCT ID NCT07292623
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether gentle electrical stimulation on a specific part of the ear could improve the balance between the 'fight-or-flight' and 'rest-and-digest' nervous systems in healthy older adults. Twelve non-smokers aged 65-80 received active or sham stimulation while heart rate variability was measured. The goal was to see if this simple technique could counteract age-related nervous system imbalance.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, non-invasive way to help older adults maintain nervous system balance.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study with only 12 healthy participants. Results may not apply to people with health conditions, and the effect may be too small to matter.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Faculty of Physiotherapy
A Coruña, La Coruña, 15006, Spain
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