EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF AURICULAR VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION AND HOME EXERCISE PROGRAM IN PATIENTS WITH FROZEN SHOULDER: RANDOMIZED TRIAL

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with a home exercise program on pain, range of motion (ROM), kinesiophobia, depression, and quality of life in patients with frozen shoulder. Methods: Eighty-one patients diagnosed with frozen shoulder were randomized into three groups: home exercise therapy, taVNS, and combined exercise + taVNS therapy. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), depression with the Beck Depression Inventory, quality of life with the SF-36 questionnaire, shoulder ROM with goniometric measurements, shoulder function with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), kinesiophobia with the Tampa Scale, and upper extremity functional limitation with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Results: Significant improvements were observed in shoulder flexion and extension in the exercise group, while significant gains in abduction and adduction were detected in the combined exercise + taVNS group (p