Ear-Clip Vagus Nerve Stimulation Boosts Fitness.

In 2025, GL Ackland and team from University College London and Queen Mary University of London conducted a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial with 28 healthy adults. They tested a non-invasive ear-clip device delivering gentle electrical pulses to the vagus nerve for 30 minutes daily over one week, compared to a sham device, with a two-week washout period. Exercise capacity (VO2peak), heart rate, breathing rate, and inflammation markers were measured.

Active stimulation increased VO2peak by 4% (1.04 mL/kg/min, p=0.005), peak heart rate by 4 beats/min, breathing rate by 4 breaths/min, and work rate by 6W (p=0.006), while reducing inflammation in a subgroup. Sham stimulation showed no improvements.

Use a vagus nerve stimulation ear-clip daily to potentially enhance fitness and reduce inflammation, especially for those with exercise limitations.