Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
08:53
Randomized, Triple-Blind, and Parallel-Controlled Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke
Published on: June 6, 2025
Bilateral transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation promotes motor function recovery after stroke: A randomized
Jia Wang1, Qiuyan Liu1, Yifan Zhou2
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P.R. China.
Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Bilateral transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation (BtaNS) significantly improves motor function and daily living independence in stroke survivors compared to unilateral stimulation. This safe and effective approach offers enhanced recovery for patients with hemiplegia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a promising stroke rehabilitation tool.
- Current methods like invasive VNS and unilateral transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation (taNS) have limitations.
- Bilateral taNS (BtaNS) may offer superior neuromodulatory effects for comprehensive motor recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of BtaNS combined with routine rehabilitation for post-stroke hemiplegia motor recovery.
- To compare BtaNS with unilateral taNS (LtaNS) and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, double-blinded, three-arm randomized controlled trial.
- 102 participants with subacute or chronic stroke received routine rehabilitation plus either BtaNS, LtaNS, or sham stimulation.
- Outcomes measured using Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE, FMA-LE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI).
Main Results:
- Both LtaNS and BtaNS groups showed significant motor improvements (FMA-UE, FMA-LE, WMFT) versus control.
- BtaNS demonstrated superior motor recovery and greater improvements in balance (BBS) and independence (MBI) compared to LtaNS.
- Mild skin irritation was the only reported adverse event.
Conclusions:
- BtaNS is a safe and effective intervention for post-stroke motor rehabilitation.
- BtaNS shows superior efficacy over LtaNS in improving motor function, balance, and daily living activities.
- Enhanced bilateral cortical engagement may underlie BtaNS's effectiveness.
