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A new study led by the Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien) and the Vienna Private Clinic has uncovered exciting insights into improving nerve stimulation therapy. The research, published in Frontiers in Physiology, shows that synchronization with the body’s natural rhythms—such as heartbeat and breathing—can enhance the effectiveness of treatments involving nerve stimulation.
Nerve stimulation, including methods like vagus nerve stimulation, has been used to treat various health conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, and neurological diseases. One popular technique involves the use of small electrodes placed in the ear to activate the vagus nerve, often referred to as an “electric pill.” The vagus nerve plays a vital role in the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to regulate the internal organs and blood circulation.
However, previous studies have shown that vagus nerve stimulation doesn’t always yield the expected results. Prof. Eugenijus Kaniusas, a lead researcher from TU Wien, explained, “It turns out that this stimulation does not always produce the expected results. The brain is not always responsive, and it’s as if there’s a gate to the control center of the nervous system that opens and closes in less than a second.”
The study examined five participants whose vagus nerves were electrically activated to lower their heart rate. The findings revealed that the timing of the stimulation relative to the heartbeat played a crucial role in the effectiveness of the treatment. When the stimulation was synchronized with the heart’s contraction phase (systole), the effects were significantly stronger compared to stimulation during the relaxation phase (diastole). Additionally, the phase of breathing also influenced results, with inhalation yielding better outcomes than exhalation.
Prof. Kaniusas stated, “Our results show that synchronizing vagus nerve stimulation with the heartbeat and breathing rhythm significantly increases effectiveness. This could help to improve the success of treatment for chronic illnesses, especially for those who have not previously responded to this therapy for reasons that are as yet unexplained.”
Looking ahead, the research team aims to develop more advanced techniques to tailor nerve stimulation to the body’s unique rhythms, potentially improving the success rate of treatments for various chronic conditions. Dr. Joszef Constantin Szeles from the Vienna Private Clinic remarked, “This technology could be an effective and non-invasive way of modulating the autonomic nervous system in a targeted and gentle manner—a potential milestone in the neuromodulatory treatment of various chronic diseases.”
Disclaimer: This study was conducted on a small pilot group. Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and refine the treatment methodology. Nerve stimulation therapy should always be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
