Effect of Vagal Nerve Stimulation and Jacobson Relaxation Technique on Agoraphobia among Post Neurological Ill-Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: This study was developed to determine the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve
stimulation and Jacobson relaxation technique on agoraphobia among subjects with post neurological ill-patients.
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of two non-pharmacological
methods of treatment for Agoraphobia patients with Post neurological ill-patients.
Methods: The research project was conducted as a pilot study in a private hospital in Chennai. The experimental
group (group A) received transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for approximately 20 minutes (30
seconds ON and 5 minutes OFF) and a conventional Jacobson relaxation technique for 10 minutes. Group B got
conventional cognitive behavioral therapy (20 minutes) and the Jacobson relaxation technique (10 minutes).
Following the four-week treatment period, a post-test analysis was performed using the Severity measure of
agoraphobia.
Results: The study found that there is a positive impact of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and
Jacobson relaxation technique on agoraphobia in post neurological ill patients. The analysis obtained a mean value
of about 18 and an SD of 26 for group A, whereas group B revealed 24.8 ± 4.40, mean ± SD, and a significant P
value of <0.001.
Conclusion: When compared to group B, those in group A who received transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve
stimulation improved more significantly when dealing with agoraphobia of post neurological ill patients. As a
result, non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and Jacobson relaxation technique have
been proven to be effective approaches for preventing agoraphobia.