Enhancement of Temporal Processing via Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Abstract

BackgroundThe vagus nerve, a crucial component of the parasympathetic nervous system, serves as a vital communication link between the brain and body. Recent studies indicate that auricular stimulation of the vagus nerve can influence executive functions by increasing activity in brain regions like the prefrontal cortex. While prefrontal areas are associated with temporal processing, it remains unclear whether vagus nerve stimulation can also impact time perception. HypothesisThe stimulation of the vagus nerve via its auricular branch may enhance performance in temporal processing by boosting activities in prefrontal brain areas related to temporal processing. MethodsTemporal processing abilities were assessed using an anisochrony detection task, where participants identified temporal irregularities in otherwise isochronous sequences while undergoing transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) or sham stimulation. ResultsThe results of this study, for the first time, revealed that participants could recognize smaller temporal shifts when the vagus nerve was stimulated, compared to the sham condition. ConclusionThe findings suggest that vagus nerve stimulation modulates temporal processing, supporting the notion that transcutaneous stimulation of the vagus nerve can influence cognitive functions related to temporal processing, possibly by enhancing prefrontal activities.