Zapping the brain could improve fitness without having to do any exercise
Electrical stimulation for just 30 minutes a day for a week was found to boost heart and lung performance in tests.
In the trial on 28 people, a device on the ear was used to stimulate the vagus nerve.
It helps to control bodily processes such as the heartbeat, breathing and digestion.
After a week, participants saw increases in their oxygen uptake.
It also boosted the maximum breathing rate by an average of four breaths per minute, and maximum heart rate by four beats per minute during exercise.
Blood tests also suggested lower levels of harmful inflammation.
The findings also indicate out-of-shape people could work up to regular activity with the gadget's help.
Study author Prof Gareth Ackland of Queen Mary University said: 'Increased vagus nerve activity can improve fitness and reduce inflammation.'
The trial in London was funded by the British Heart Foundation.
Its chief scientific and medical officer Prof Bryan Williams added: 'This may one day be used to improve well-being for people with heart failure.'
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