Ear zap may turbocharge athlete recovery

NCT ID NCT06281795

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Bakulev Scientific Center of Cardiovascular Surgery Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 20, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a gentle electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve through the ear (tVNS) can help athletes recover more quickly after intense training. About 121 professional athletes in sports like swimming, athletics, and gymnastics will use the device daily for 60 minutes after workouts over 8 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in oxygen use, heart rate, and fatigue levels to see if the treatment speeds recovery and reduces muscle soreness.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) device applied to the ear
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer athletes a drug-free way to speed up recovery, reduce fatigue, and improve performance.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial in a specific group of athletes, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be modest or not statistically significant.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

combat disorder Fatigue Mental Fatigue

As listed by the trial registrant

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

EFFICACY, SELF FATIGUE, MENTAL FATIGUE; COMBAT FATIGUE; MUSCLE, HEART

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Autonomous Non-Profit organization of additional education sports school BECOME A CHAMPION

Krasnodar, Russia

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