1. Efficacy of Vagal nerve stimulation on anxiety among elderly retired teachers during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Author
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Srinivasan V, Ruthuvalan V, Raja S, Jayaraj V, Sridhar S, Kothandaraman M, Suganthirababu P, Abathsagayam K, Vishnuram S, Alagesan J, and Vasanthi RK
- Subjects
- Humans, Female, Male, Middle Aged, Pandemics, Aged, School Teachers psychology, Retirement psychology, Surveys and Questionnaires, COVID-19 psychology, Vagus Nerve Stimulation methods, Anxiety therapy, SARS-CoV-2
- Abstract
Background: Excessive fear, worry and behavioral disturbances define anxiety, with particular significance attributed to vagal nerve, a crucial transmitter of information to the brain regions governing anxiety. Highlighting the importance of vagal nerve, transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (TaVNS) emerges as a tolerable and safe technique. The success of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation in alleviating anxiety underscores the pivotal role of the vagal nerve., Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in mitigating anxiety among retired teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the relevance of targeting the vagal nerve for improved mental well-being., Methods: 60 retired teachers diagnosed with anxiety were chosen through random allocation. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A (Experimental group) received transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (TaVNS), and Group B (Control group) underwent the Jacobson relaxation technique. Intervention period spanned 4 weeks, with four sessions per week, lasting 30 minutes. The outcome measures included Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire and salivary cortisol levels., Results: Following the 4-week intervention, both groups exhibited a significant reduction in Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores and salivary cortisol levels (P < 0.001). Notably, Group A demonstrated a significantly higher effectiveness rate compared to Group B., Conclusion: The study concludes that transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (TaVNS) is effective in reducing anxiety among retired teachers. Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (TaVNS) proves to be a powerful and effective intervention in alleviating anxiety among retired teachers, emphasizing its potential significance in enhancing mental well-being.
- Published
- 2024
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