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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Faculty of Physiotherapy
A Coruña, La Coruña, 15006, Spain