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TRICEPS Trial Continues to Explore tVNS in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

  • Jul 6
  • 2 min read

A major UK clinical study is evaluating non-invasive transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation combined with rehabilitation therapy for arm recovery after stroke.


TRICEPS clinical trial logo for non-invasive tVNS research in post-stroke arm rehabilitation, featuring a stylized arm on a yellow background.

The TRICEPS trial — TRanscutaneous lImb reCovEry Post-Stroke — is an ongoing UK clinical study investigating whether transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation can support arm recovery after stroke when combined with rehabilitation therapy.


Led by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and managed by the Clinical Trials Research Unit at the University of Sheffield, the UK-based study focuses on people with arm weakness after stroke. The study is currently recruiting across multiple centres in England and Wales.


Non-invasive tVNS ear electrode and stimulator used in transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation research for post-stroke rehabilitation.

TRICEPS is not the first investigation of vagus nerve stimulation in stroke rehabilitation. Rather, it builds on a growing body of clinical research exploring how vagus nerve stimulation may enhance motor recovery when paired with rehabilitation exercises. The University of Sheffield describes TRICEPS as a double-blinded, randomised, controlled, three-arm, two-stage adaptive trial designed to evaluate whether rehabilitation effects for arm recovery after stroke can be enhanced with transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation.


Non-invasive tVNS ear electrode for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in post-stroke rehabilitation research.

In the TRICEPS protocol, stimulation is delivered non-invasively through the ear using a small earpiece. This approach does not require surgery or anaesthesia and is paired with self-delivered rehabilitation therapy. Participants receive either tVNS or sham tVNS alongside rehabilitation, while remaining blinded to which treatment they receive.



Non-invasive transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation pathway for tVNS research in post-stroke rehabilitation.

The study reflects the growing clinical interest in non-invasive neuromodulation for neurorehabilitation. By combining tVNS with rehabilitation exercises, researchers aim to better understand how vagus nerve stimulation may contribute to motor recovery after stroke.


As one of the major ongoing studies in this field, TRICEPS reflects the growing clinical interest in non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation as a complementary approach in post-stroke rehabilitation.

 
 
 

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