Effectiveness of Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Muscle Recovery: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for enhancing post-exercise muscle recovery in athletes. Given the significant impact of recovery on athletic performance, this review synthesises current evidence on VNS as an intervention to expedite muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep quality. It examines a range of physiological and biochemical markers relevant to recovery, including heart rate variability, cortisol levels, and inflammatory cytokines. The review adheres to PRISMA guidelines and includes studies evaluating objective and subjective recovery metrics. By consolidating recent data, this work aims to contribute a comprehensive understanding of VNS’s therapeutic potential in sports medicine and recovery sciences, offering insights for clinicians, researchers, and sports practitioners.