A pilot study involving 30 participants has shown preliminary evidence that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), a noninvasive technique, may be safe, feasible, and potentially effective in reducing knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Results indicated a reduction in knee pain, an increase in heart rate variability, and potential activation of the vagus nerve, suggesting tVNS could influence stress and inflammation mechanisms related to pain processing. Larger trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Source: Ostheoarthritis and Cartilage Open