The Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Stress, Competitive Anxiety, and Depression in Elite Shooters: Randomized Controlled Trial
Source abstract
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether vagus nerve stimulation is effective in modulating psychological states such as anxiety, depression, and stress in elite shooters. A total of 18 female elite shooters (aged 18–19 years) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 9) or a control group (n = 9). The experimental group received vagus nerve stimulation for 30 min per session, once daily, seven days a week, over a period of four weeks. Psychological variables were assessed at three time points: pre-test (baseline), mid-test (2 weeks), and post-test (4 weeks). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant group × time interactions for stress (p < 0.01), cognitive anxiety (p < 0.001), somatic anxiety (p < 0.01), confidence (p < 0.001), and depression (p < 0.01). Paired t-tests demonstrated significant reductions in stress, cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and depression, as well as a significant increase in confidence within the experimental group. These findings provide compelling evidence that a 4-week course of vagus nerve stimulation can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing confidence in elite shooters. Therefore, this intervention may serve as a beneficial strategy for improving mental health in elite shooters.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Research · Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control · Stress Responses and Cortisol
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Division of Sports Psychology Laboratory, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
Division of Sport Science, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
Division of Health and Kinesiology, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
Division of Sport Science Institute, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
Neuromechanical Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
Division of Health Promotion Center, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
Department of Sport Science, Korea Institute of Sport Science, Seoul 05540, Republic of Korea
College of General Education, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
Waseda Institute for Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama 341-0018, Japan
Funding
Neurive Co., Ltd
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