The Effect of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Cognitive Performance

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate the effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on working memory (WM) performance. The primary goal of the study is to comprehend the interindividual variations in taVNS responses and examine the factors underlying these differences. The fundamental hypothesis of the thesis is that taVNS enhances WM performance (WMP). The research anticipates that this effect will be particularly observed in the group receiving actual taVNS.
METHODS: An equal number of female (n=15) and male (n=15) participants were selected from a cognitively healthy group aged between 18 and 45 years. Participants underwent a WM test (n-back) initially, followed by the sham taVNS. After receiving sham session participants completed the same WM task again. Followed by the real taVNS session and the WM task is given for the last time. Participants also filled out scales for the Big Five personality traits (BFS), Experiences in Close Relationships Scale-Revised, and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised during the same period.
RESULTS: The findings demonstrated a notable increase in WMP in the actual taVNS group. In addition, the results suggest that individuals exhibiting avoidant attachment, displaying phobic anxiety symptoms, and having high interpersonal sensitivity tend to benefit more from taVNS.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These outcomes imply that taVNS has the potential to enhance WMP and reflects the influence of individual factors.