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Impacto da taVNS nos níveis de stress em estudantes universitários
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Resumo(s)
A saúde mental dos estudantes universitários tem vindo a tornar-se uma preocupação crescente, refletindo o impacto das exigências académicas inerentes ao ensino superior. Neste contexto, a exposição prolongada a elevados níveis de stress pode conduzir ao distress psicológico, comprometendo o bem-estar e o desempenho académico. Atendendo à necessidade de estratégias eficazes e acessíveis, a Estimulação Transcutânea do Nervo Vago Auricular (taVNS) tem emergido como uma abordagem promissora de neuromodulação não invasiva, com potencial para modular a resposta fisiológica ao stress e promover o equilíbrio do sistema nervoso autónomo (SNA). O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia da taVNS na redução dos níveis de stress percecionado e distress psicológico em estudantes universitários. Participaram 40 estudantes da Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, distribuídos aleatoriamente pelos grupos experimental e sham. A intervenção consistiu em cinco sessões consecutivas de 30 minutos, uma por dia, avaliadas em três momentos (pré-intervenção, pós-intervenção e follow-up de um mês), através das escalas PSS10 e K10. De forma geral, os resultados evidenciaram uma redução significativa e sustentada dos níveis de stress percecionado e distress psicológico ao longo do tempo, observada em ambos os grupos, sem diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre eles. As reduções mantiveram-se no follow-up, sem registo de efeitos adversos relevantes. Estes resultados poderão refletir a influência do efeito placebo, ou a possível ativação fisiológica associada à estimulação do lóbulo auricular. Ainda assim, sugerem que a taVNS poderá ser uma técnica útil na promoção da saúde mental em contexto académico, considerando a redução dos níveis de stress percecionado e distress psicológico observada ao longo do tempo. Recomenda-se a realização de estudos futuros que colmatem as limitações levantadas, de modo a clarificar o seu efeito específico e otimizar as condições experimentais que possam potenciar a sua eficácia.
The mental health of university students has become a growing concern, reflecting the impact of the academic demands inherent to higher education. In this context, prolonged exposure to high levels of stress may lead to psychological distress, compromising both well-being and academic performance. Considering the need for effective and accessible strategies, Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive neuromodulation approach, with the potential to modulate the physiological response to stress and promote autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of taVNS in reducing perceived stress and psychological distress among university students. Forty students from Egas Moniz School of Health & Science participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the sham group. The intervention consisted of five consecutive 30-minute sessions, one per day, assessed at three time points (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up) using the PSS10 and K10 scales. Overall, the results showed a significant and sustained reduction in perceived stress and psychological distress over time, observed in both groups, with no statistically significant differences between them. The reductions were maintained at follow-up, with no relevant adverse effects reported. These results may reflect the influence of placebo effects or the possible physiological activation associated with earlobe stimulation. Nevertheless, they suggest that taVNS may be a useful technique for promoting mental health in academic settings, considering the observed reduction in perceived stress and psychological distress over time. Future studies are recommended to address the identified limitations in order to clarify its specific effects and optimize the experimental conditions that may enhance its efficacy.
The mental health of university students has become a growing concern, reflecting the impact of the academic demands inherent to higher education. In this context, prolonged exposure to high levels of stress may lead to psychological distress, compromising both well-being and academic performance. Considering the need for effective and accessible strategies, Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive neuromodulation approach, with the potential to modulate the physiological response to stress and promote autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of taVNS in reducing perceived stress and psychological distress among university students. Forty students from Egas Moniz School of Health & Science participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the sham group. The intervention consisted of five consecutive 30-minute sessions, one per day, assessed at three time points (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up) using the PSS10 and K10 scales. Overall, the results showed a significant and sustained reduction in perceived stress and psychological distress over time, observed in both groups, with no statistically significant differences between them. The reductions were maintained at follow-up, with no relevant adverse effects reported. These results may reflect the influence of placebo effects or the possible physiological activation associated with earlobe stimulation. Nevertheless, they suggest that taVNS may be a useful technique for promoting mental health in academic settings, considering the observed reduction in perceived stress and psychological distress over time. Future studies are recommended to address the identified limitations in order to clarify its specific effects and optimize the experimental conditions that may enhance its efficacy.
Descrição
Dissertação para obtenção do grau de Mestre no Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz
Palavras-chave
Stress Distress psicológico Estudantes universitários Neuromodulação não invasiva taVNS