Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation as a pain modulator in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Our understanding of osteoarthritis (OA) has evolved from a degenerative disease to one in which low-grade, chronic inflammation plays a central role. In addition, evidence suggests that OA is accompanied by both peripheral and central nervous system sensitization that can cause pain. It has been demonstrated that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) can relieve pain, inflammation, and central sensitization in other conditions including fibromyalgia, pelvic pain, and headaches. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of tVNS on nociceptive pain, central sensitization, and physical function in knee OA.

Methods

In this 12-week study, we stimulated the auricular branch of the vagus nerve with an auricular electrode connected to a transcutaneous electrical

SUBMITTER: Elsehrawy GG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11744843 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature