The Effects of taVNS on Inhibitory Control

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Improves Inhibitory Control in Emotional Go-Nogo Task

The main aim of the study is to investigate whether the transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation(tVNS) improves the ability of inhibitory control in an emotional Go-Nogo task.

A randomized, sham-controlled, between-subject design will be employed in this study. A total of 87 healthy subjects will receive either transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation via tragus or sham stimulation via the earlobe in the left ear. Brain activity and behavioral data for an emotional Go-Nogo task will be recorded and saliva samples will be collected before, during, and after stimulation.

Some personal traits will be assessed using different kinds of questionnaires, such as the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck's Depression Inventory(BDI), Autism Spectrum Quotient (ASQ) et al.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy subjects without past or current psychiatric or neurological disorders

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of head injury;
• pregnant, menstruating, taking oral contraceptives;
• medical or psychiatric illness.