Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus nerve stimulation paired with exercise training for upper-limb motor function and activities of daily living after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
meta_analysis · Level I
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41865861.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1016/j.apmr.2026.03.008.
- No licence information is recorded for this record.
- Because redistribution is not established, this page shows the abstract only. Follow the links below for the full text.
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) paired with exercise training on upper limb motor function and activities of daily living in stroke patients through a meta-analysis. Data Sources A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, CNKI, and Wanfang Database from inception to November 2025. Study Selection Randomized controlled trials were included to evaluate the effects of taVNS paired with exercise training in stroke patients. Data Extraction Two researchers independently extracted relevant data ( socio-demographic characteristics, study characteristics, stimulus parameters, and outcome indicators ). The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool (ROB 2.0). Any discrepancies were resolved through discussion or consultation with a third researcher. Data Synthesis Sixteen original studies involving a total of 708 stroke patients were included. The results showed that patients receiving taVNS paired with exercise training had significant improvements in upper limb motor function, as assessed by the FMA-UE (SMD = 1.27; 95% CI = 0.89 - 1.66; P < 0.01), WMFT (SMD = 1.46; 95% CI = 0.74 - 2.17; P < 0.01) and ARAT (SMD = 4.51; 95% CI = 2.73 - 6.29; P < 0.01). TaVNS paired with exercise also exhibited beneficial effects on ADL (SMD = 1.42; 95% CI = 0.70-2.14; P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis indicated that an intervention frequency of ≥ 4 sessions per week had a significant effect on upper limb motor function (SMD = 1.36; 95% CI = 0.90-1.82; P < 0.01). Conclusion TaVNS paired with exercise training can effectively improve upper limb motor function and activities of daily living, with a significant effect when the intervention frequency is ≥ 4 sessions per week. Further research is needed to determine the optimal stimulation parameters and exercise protocols.