1
|
Giraudier M, Ventura-Bort C, Weymar M. Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on the P300: Do Stimulation Duration and Stimulation Type Matter? Brain Sci 2024; 14:690. [PMID: 39061430 PMCID: PMC11274684 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14070690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has attracted increasing interest as a neurostimulation tool with potential applications in modulating cognitive processes such as attention and memory, possibly through the modulation of the locus-coeruleus noradrenaline system. Studies examining the P300 brain-related component as a correlate of noradrenergic activity, however, have yielded inconsistent findings, possibly due to differences in stimulation parameters, thus necessitating further investigation. In this event-related potential study involving 61 participants, therefore, we examined how changes in taVNS parameters, specifically stimulation type (interval vs. continuous stimulation) and duration, influence P300 amplitudes during a visual novelty oddball task. Although no effects of stimulation were found over the whole cluster and time window of the P300, cluster-based permutation tests revealed a distinct impact of taVNS on the P300 response for a small electrode cluster, characterized by larger amplitudes observed for easy targets (i.e., stimuli that are easily discernible from standards) following taVNS compared to sham stimulation. Notably, our findings suggested that the type of stimulation significantly modulated taVNS effects on the P300, with continuous stimulation showing larger P300 differences (taVNS vs. sham) for hard targets and standards compared to interval stimulation. We observed no interaction effects of stimulation duration on the target-related P300. While our findings align with previous research, further investigation is warranted to fully elucidate the influence of taVNS on the P300 component and its potential utility as a reliable marker for neuromodulation in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manon Giraudier
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Campus Golm, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24/25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany; (C.V.-B.); (M.W.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee YS, Kim WJ, Shim M, Hong KH, Choi H, Song JJ, Hwang HJ. Investigating neuromodulatory effect of transauricular vagus nerve stimulation on resting-state electroencephalography. Biomed Eng Lett 2024; 14:677-687. [PMID: 38946812 PMCID: PMC11208373 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-024-00361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuromodulatory effects of transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and determine optimal taVNS duration to induce the meaningful neuromodulatroty effects using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG). Method: Fifteen participants participated in this study and taVNS was applied to the cymba conchae for a duration of 40 min. Resting-state EEG was measured before and during taVNS application. EEG power spectral density (PSD) and brain network indices (clustering coefficient and path length) were calculated across five frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma), respectively, to assess the neuromodulatory effect of taVNS. Moreover, we divided the whole brain region into the five regions of interest (frontal, central, left temporal, right temporal, and occipital) to confirm the neuromodulation effect on each specific brain region. Result: Our results demonstrated a significant increase in EEG frequency powers across all five frequency bands during taVNS. Furthermore, significant changes in network indices were observed in the theta and gamma bands compared to the pre-taVNS measurements. These effects were particularly pronounced after approximately 10 min of stimulation, with a more dominant impact observed after approximately 20-30 min of taVNS application. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that taVNS can effectively modulate the brain activity, thereby exerting significant effects on brain characteristics. Moreover, taVNS duration of approximately 20-30 min was considered appropriate for inducing a stable and efficient neuromodulatory effects. Consequently, these findings have the potential to contribute to research aimed at enhancing cognitive and motor functions through the modulation of EEG using taVNS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13534-024-00361-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Sung Lee
- Department of Electronics and Information, Korea University, Sejong, 30019 Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Artificial Intelligence Smart Convergence Technology, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jin Kim
- Department of Electronics and Information, Korea University, Sejong, 30019 Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Artificial Intelligence Smart Convergence Technology, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Miseon Shim
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Tech University of Korea, Siheung, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Hwan Hong
- Neurive Co., Ltd, Gimhae, 50969 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Choi
- Neurive Co., Ltd, Gimhae, 50969 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 028411 Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Song
- Neurive Co., Ltd, Gimhae, 50969 Republic of Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, 08308 Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Jeong Hwang
- Department of Electronics and Information, Korea University, Sejong, 30019 Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Artificial Intelligence Smart Convergence Technology, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lucchi F, Lloyd B, Nieuwenhuis S. Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation and the motivation to work for rewards: A replication of Neuser et al. (2020, Nature Communications). Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14484. [PMID: 37942809 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The vagus nerve is thought to be involved in the allostatic regulation of motivation and energy metabolism via gut-brain interactions. A recent study by Neuser and colleagues (2020) provided novel evidence for this process in humans, by reporting a positive effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on the invigoration of reward-seeking behaviors, especially for food rewards. We conducted an independent direct replication of Neuser et al. (2020), to assess the robustness of their findings. Following the original study, we used a single-blind, sham-controlled, randomized cross-over design. We applied left-sided taVNS in healthy human volunteers (n = 40), while they performed an effort allocation task in which they had to work for monetary and food rewards. The replication study was purely confirmatory in that it strictly followed the analysis plans and scripts used by Neuser et al. Although, in line with Neuser et al., we found strong effects of task variables on effort invigoration and effort maintenance, we failed to replicate their key finding: taVNS did not increase the strength of invigoration (p = .62); the data were five times more likely (BF10 = 0.19) under the null hypothesis. We also found substantial evidence against an effect of taVNS on effort maintenance (p = .50; BF10 = 0.20). Our results provide evidence against the idea that left-sided taVNS boosts the motivational drive to work for rewards. Our study also highlights the need for direct replications of influential taVNS studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Lucchi
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Beth Lloyd
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sander Nieuwenhuis
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yan L, Li H, Qian Y, Zhang J, Cong S, Zhang X, Wu L, Wang Y, Wang M, Yu T. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation: a new strategy for Alzheimer's disease intervention through the brain-gut-microbiota axis? Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1334887. [PMID: 38476661 PMCID: PMC10927744 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1334887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is an emerging non-invasive technique designed to stimulate branches of the vagus nerve distributed over the body surface. Studies suggest a correlation between the brain-gut-microbiota (BGM) axis and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The BGM axis represents a complex bidirectional communication system, with the vagus nerve being a crucial component. Therefore, non-invasive electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve might have the potential to modify-most of the time probably in a non-physiological way-the signal transmission within the BGM axis, potentially influencing the progression or symptoms of AD. This review explores the interaction between percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and the BGM axis, emphasizing its potential effects on AD. It examines various aspects, such as specific brain regions, gut microbiota composition, maintenance of intestinal environmental homeostasis, inflammatory responses, brain plasticity, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation. The review suggests that tVNS could serve as an effective strategy to modulate the BGM axis and potentially intervene in the progression or treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Yan
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Li
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yulin Qian
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan Cong
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuemin Zhang
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Linna Wu
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Yu
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
D'Agostini M, Burger AM, Jelinčić V, von Leupoldt A, Van Diest I. Effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on P300 magnitudes and salivary alpha-amylase during an auditory oddball task. Biol Psychol 2023; 182:108646. [PMID: 37481230 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive neurostimulation technique that is thought to modulate noradrenergic activity. Previous studies have demonstrated inconsistent effects of taVNS on noradrenergic activity, which is possibly due to insufficient statistical power, suboptimal stimulation parameter settings, and data collection procedures. In this preregistered within-subject experiment, 44 healthy participants received taVNS and sham (earlobe) stimulation during two separate experimental sessions. Stimulation intensity was individually calibrated to the maximum level below pain. During each session, participants received the stimulation continuously ten minutes before an auditory novelty oddball task till the end of the experimental session. The P3b component of the event-related potential served as a marker of phasic noradrenergic activity, whereas P3a magnitude was explored as an index of dopaminergic activity. Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) was measured as an index of tonic noradrenergic activity before and at the end of the stimulation. The taVNS and sham conditions did not differ in P3a or P3b magnitudes, nor sAA secretion. These findings call into question whether taVNS, administered continuously at high, nonpainful stimulation intensities, reliably augments noradrenergic activity via the vagus nerve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina D'Agostini
- Health Psychology Research Group, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102/3726, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Andreas M Burger
- Health Psychology Research Group, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102/3726, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Valentina Jelinčić
- Health Psychology Research Group, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102/3726, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Andreas von Leupoldt
- Health Psychology Research Group, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102/3726, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Ilse Van Diest
- Health Psychology Research Group, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102/3726, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lloyd B, Wurm F, de Kleijn R, Nieuwenhuis S. Short-term transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation increases pupil size but does not affect EEG alpha power: A replication of Sharon et al. (2021, Journal of Neuroscience). Brain Stimul 2023; 16:1001-1008. [PMID: 37348704 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been tested as a potential treatment for pharmaco-resistant epilepsy and depression. Its clinical efficacy is thought to depend on taVNS-induced activation of the locus coeruleus and other neuromodulator systems. However, unlike for invasive VNS in rodents, there is little evidence for an effect of taVNS on noradrenergic activity. OBJECTIVE We attempted to replicate recently published findings by Sharon et al. (2021), showing that short bursts of taVNS transiently increased pupil size and decreased EEG alpha power, two correlates of central noradrenergic activity. METHODS Following the original study, we used a single-blind, sham-controlled, randomized cross-over design. Human volunteers (n = 29) received short-term (3.4 s) taVNS at the maximum level below the pain threshold, while we collected resting-state pupil-size and EEG data. To analyze the data, we used scripts provided by Sharon and colleagues. RESULTS Consistent with Sharon et al. (2021), pupil dilation was significantly larger during taVNS than during sham stimulation (p = .009; Bayes factor supporting the difference = 7.45). However, we failed to replicate the effect of taVNS on EEG alpha power (p = .37); the data were four times more likely under the null hypothesis (BF10 = 0.28). CONCLUSION Our findings support the effectiveness of short-term taVNS in inducing transient pupil dilation, a correlate of phasic noradrenergic activity. However, we failed to replicate the recent finding by Sharon et al. (2021) that taVNS attenuates EEG alpha activity. Overall, this study highlights the need for continued research on the neural mechanisms underlying taVNS efficacy and its potential as a treatment option for pharmaco-resistant conditions. It also highlights the need for direct replications of influential taVNS studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Lloyd
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Franz Wurm
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Roy de Kleijn
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sander Nieuwenhuis
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gurtubay IG, Perez-Rodriguez DR, Fernandez E, Librero-Lopez J, Calvo D, Bermejo P, Pinin-Osorio C, Lopez M. Immediate effects and duration of a short and single application of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on P300 event related potential. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1096865. [PMID: 37051148 PMCID: PMC10083261 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1096865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionTranscutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a neuromodulatory technique that stimulates the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. The modulation of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) network is one of the potential working mechanisms of this method. Our aims were 1-to investigate if short and single applications of taVNS can modulate the P300 cognitive event-related potential (ERP) as an indirect marker that reflects NE brain activation under control of the LC, and 2-to evaluate the duration of these changes.Methods20 healthy volunteers executed an auditory oddball paradigm to obtain P300 and reaction time (RT) values. Then a 7 min active or sham taVNS period was initiated and simultaneously a new P300 paradigm was performed. We successively repeated the paradigm on 4 occasions with different time intervals up to 56 min after the stimulation onset.ResultsDuring active taVNS an immediate and significant effect of increasing the amplitude and reducing the latency of P300, as well as a shortening in the RT was observed. This effect was prolonged in time up to 28 min. The values then returned to pre-stimulation levels. Sham stimulation did not generate changes.DiscussionOur results, demonstrate differential facilitating effects in a concrete time window after taVNS. Literature about the modulatory effect of taVNS over P300 ERP shows a wide spread of results. There is not a standardized system for taVNS and currently the great heterogeneity of stimulation approaches concerning targets and parameters, make it difficult to obtain conclusions about this relationship. Our study was designed optimizing several stimulation settings, such as a customized earbud stimulator, enlarged stimulating surface, simultaneous stimulation over the cymba and cavum conchae, a Delayed Biphasic Pulse Burst and current controlled stimulation that adjusted the output voltage and guaranteed the administration of a preset electrical dose. Under our stimulation conditions, targeting vagal nerve fibers via taVNS modulates the P300 in healthy participants. The optimal settings of modulatory function of taVNS on P300, and their interdependency is insufficiently studied in the literature, but our data provides several easily optimizable parameters, that will produce more robust results in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iñaki G. Gurtubay
- Department of Neurophysiology, University Hospital of Navarre, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarrabiomed Biomedical Research Centre, Pamplona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Iñaki G. Gurtubay,
| | | | | | | | - David Calvo
- Arrhythmia Unit, Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Asturias, Spain
| | - Pedro Bermejo
- Neurologist, Translational Medicine UCB Pharma, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Miguel Lopez
- Xana Smart Neurostimulation, Epalinges, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Giraudier M, Ventura-Bort C, Burger AM, Claes N, D'Agostini M, Fischer R, Franssen M, Kaess M, Koenig J, Liepelt R, Nieuwenhuis S, Sommer A, Usichenko T, Van Diest I, von Leupoldt A, Warren CM, Weymar M. Evidence for a modulating effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on salivary alpha-amylase as indirect noradrenergic marker: A pooled mega-analysis. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:1378-1388. [PMID: 36183953 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has received tremendous attention as a potential neuromodulator of cognitive and affective functions, which likely exerts its effects via activation of the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline (LC-NA) system. Reliable effects of taVNS on markers of LC-NA system activity, however, have not been demonstrated yet. METHODS The aim of the present study was to overcome previous limitations by pooling raw data from a large sample of ten taVNS studies (371 healthy participants) that collected salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) as a potential marker of central NA release. RESULTS While a meta-analytic approach using summary statistics did not yield any significant effects, linear mixed model analyses showed that afferent stimulation of the vagus nerve via taVNS increased sAA levels compared to sham stimulation (b = 0.16, SE = 0.05, p = 0.001). When considering potential confounders of sAA, we further replicated previous findings on the diurnal trajectory of sAA activity. CONCLUSION(S) Vagal activation via taVNS increases sAA release compared to sham stimulation, which likely substantiates the assumption that taVNS triggers NA release. Moreover, our results highlight the benefits of data pooling and data sharing in order to allow stronger conclusions in research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manon Giraudier
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Carlos Ventura-Bort
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Nathalie Claes
- Research Group Health Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Rico Fischer
- Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Michael Kaess
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julian Koenig
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roman Liepelt
- Department of General Psychology: Judgment, Decision Making, Action, Faculty of Psychology, University of Hagen (FernUniversität in Hagen), Hagen, Germany
| | - Sander Nieuwenhuis
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Netherlands
| | - Aldo Sommer
- Department of General Psychology: Judgment, Decision Making, Action, Faculty of Psychology, University of Hagen (FernUniversität in Hagen), Hagen, Germany; Department of Exercise Physiology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Taras Usichenko
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medicine of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ilse Van Diest
- Research Group Health Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Christopher M Warren
- Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Utah State University, United States
| | - Mathias Weymar
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany; Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gianlorenco ACL, de Melo PS, Marduy A, Kim AY, Kim CK, Choi H, Song JJ, Fregni F. Electroencephalographic Patterns in taVNS: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092208. [PMID: 36140309 PMCID: PMC9496216 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a newer delivery system using a non-invasive stimulation device placed at the ear. taVNS research is focused on clinical trials showing potential therapeutic benefits, however the neurophysiological effects of this stimulation on brain activity are still unclear. We propose a systematic review that aims to describe the effects of taVNS on EEG measures and identify taVNS parameters that can potentially lead to consistent EEG-mediated biomarkers for this therapy. A systematic literature review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews. Clinical trials examining EEG parameters were considered, including absolute and relative power, coherence, degree of symmetry, evoked potentials, and peak frequency of all bands. According to our criteria, 18 studies (from 122 articles) were included. Our findings show a general trend towards increased EEG power spectrum activity in lower frequencies, and changes on early components of the ERP related to inhibitory tasks. This review suggests that quantitative electroencephalography can be used to assess the effects of taVNS on brain activity, however more studies are needed to systematically establish the specific effects and metrics that would reflect the non-invasive stimulation through the auricular branch of the vagus nerve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carolyna L. Gianlorenco
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos 13565-090, Brazil
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Paulo S. de Melo
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Medicine, Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador 40290-000, Brazil
| | - Anna Marduy
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- União Metropolitana de Ensino e Cultura (UNIME) Salvador, Salvador 42700-000, Brazil
| | - Angela Yun Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul 08308, Korea
| | - Chi Kyung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Korea
| | - Hyuk Choi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 08308, Korea
- Neurive Co., Ltd., Gimhae 08308, Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul 08308, Korea
- Neurive Co., Ltd., Gimhae 08308, Korea
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|