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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Laboratory Administration of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation taVNS: Technique, Targeting, and Considerations
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Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) modulates flow experience.

Lorenza S Colzato1,2,3,4, Gina Wolters5, Corinna Peifer5

  • 1Cognitive Psychology Unit and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands. colzato@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.

Experimental Brain Research
|November 13, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Vagus nerve stimulation causally impacts flow states. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) decreased absorption during flow, suggesting the vagus nerve and noradrenergic system are involved.

Keywords:
Flow experienceLocus coeruleusNetwork reset theoryNorepinephrineParasympathetic activationTranscutaneous vagus nerve stimulation

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Flow is a psychological state of complete absorption in an activity.
  • Vagal tone, indicated by heart rate variability, is correlated with flow.
  • A causal link between the vagus nerve and flow has not been established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causal role of the vagus nerve in flow states.
  • To explore the effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) on flow experience.

Main Methods:

  • A sham/placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over study with 32 participants.
  • Participants underwent active tVNS or sham stimulation while performing a task.
  • Flow experience was measured using the Flow Short-Scale.

Main Results:

  • Active tVNS significantly decreased flow, specifically absorption scores, compared to sham stimulation.
  • This suggests a causal role for the vagus nerve in modulating flow.
  • Findings align with network reset theory and the noradrenergic system's involvement.

Conclusions:

  • The vagus nerve causally influences the experience of flow.
  • Noradrenergic system activation via tVNS may disrupt absorption in flow states.
  • This research provides causal evidence for the neurobiological underpinnings of flow.