Tool could help improve your fitness in just 30 minutes | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentNext articleIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleStorm NewtonTuesday 29 July 2025 12:01 BSTResearchers hope the device could one day be used to improve fitness (Getty Images)An early trial suggests a small device that stimulates a major nerve connecting the heart and brain could help improve fitness.The device, clipped to the outer ear, sends gentle electrical pulses to increase the activity of the vagus nerve, which regulates heart function.Wearing the stimulator for just 30 minutes a day for a week increased oxygen intake during exercise by 4 per cent in healthy volunteers.The study, led by researchers at University College London and Queen Mary University of London, involved 28 healthy volunteers and was published in the European Heart Journal.While larger trials are needed, researchers hope the device could one day be used to improve fitness, reduce inflammation, and potentially aid people with heart conditions.In fullThe nerve-zapping device that ‘could help improve your fitness’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in