Journal Article

FZJ-2026-00916

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Myoarthropathic Symptoms Associated With Temporomandibular Disorders—A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

Prott, L. S. (Corresponding author) ; Kaldenhoven, V. ; Hugger, A. ; Langner, R.FZJ* ; Gierthmuehlen, P. C. ; Gierthmuehlen, M.

2025
Wiley-Blackwell Oxford [u.a.]

This record in other databases:  

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1111/joor.70039  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2026-00916

Abstract: ABSTRACTBackground: Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a safe and feasible treatment for a variety of acuteand chronic pain conditions. However, no evidence about taVNS effectiveness in patients with chronic pain associated with tem-poromandibular disorders (TMD) is available.Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of and compliance with taVNS in participants experiencing chronic TMD pain and poten-tial effects on pain, psychological well-being, muscle activity, and kinematics.Methods: Twenty adults with chronic TMD pain were randomised to receive taVNS (n = 10) or sham (n = 10). In the taVNSgroup, stimulation was performed on the left tragus for 4 h daily (25 Hz, pulse width 250 μs, 28 s on/32 s off). In the sham group,an inactive non-functional sham electrode was used. Patient-reported outcome measures (GCPS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, PHQ-15, andOHIP- G14), muscle activity, and kinematics were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Compliance was assessed using asmartphone app, which recorded daily stimulation time and intensity.Results: Recruitment and retention rates were high (100% and 90%, respectively), with 83% adherence to the intervention.Participants receiving taVNS showed a large effect on oral health-related quality of life, and at least a small but potentially impor-tant effect on pain intensity, anxiety, depression, severity of somatic symptoms, muscle activity, and kinematics. However, noneof these differences were statistically significant. No serious adverse events were identified.

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. Gehirn & Verhalten (INM-7)

Research Program(s):

1. 5251 - Multilevel Brain Organization and Variability (POF4-525) (POF4-525)
2. 5252 - Brain Dysfunction and Plasticity (POF4-525) (POF4-525)

---

Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; DEAL Wiley ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

---