The Vagus Nerve: A Cornerstone for Mental Health and Performance Optimization in Recreation and Elite Sports

This paper explores the emerging role of vagal physiology in optimizing human physical and cognitive performance in sports. Supported by robust evidence from neuroscience and psychophysiology research, the vagus nerve plays a central role in governing human performance through its influence on central nervous system functions and autonomic nervous system activity. These functions include the monitoring and regulation of cardio-respiratory activity, emotional responses, inflammation and physical recovery, cognitive control, stress resilience, and team cohesion. We examine non-invasive interventions such as transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, heart-rate variability biofeedback, and controlled breathing as accessible tools for enhancing vagal tone, improving executive functioning under pressure, and mitigating fatigue and burnout. These tools and their underlying biological mechanisms are framed by psychological models like the Yerkes-Dodson law and Polyvagal theory to contextualize their effects on the neurophysiological underpinnings of athletic performance. Ultimately, we argue for a shift in sports science toward integrating vagal-centered approaches as scalable, evidence-based strategies that can benefit both the physical performance and psychological well-being in athletes and others striving for peak performance under high stress loads.