TAC-STIM Demonstrates Significant Performance Improvements in Active-Duty United States Air Force Airmen
Rhea-AI Summary
electroCore (Nasdaq: ECOR) announced a peer‑reviewed study showing its TAC‑STIM™ transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) device improved mood, task performance, and learning in 70 active‑duty U.S. Air Force trainees.
Key results include statistically significant reductions in distress (p<0.001), higher perceived ability (p=0.020), increased energy (p=0.002), and objective performance gains in intelligence tasks and instructor assessments (group main effect p=0.020). Findings were sustained across four days and will be presented at AHFE2025 on December 8, 2025.
Positive
- Distress reduced in tVNS users (p<0.001)
- Perceived ability improved (p=0.020)
- Energy increased for tVNS group (p=0.002)
- Objective performance gains in mission tasks (group effect p=0.020)
- Performance benefits sustained across four consecutive days
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, ECOR declined 0.42%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
ECOR fell 2.45% while close peers showed mixed moves: NMTC -3.31%, RBOT -2.87%, MODD +4.61%, IINN +0.89%, MYO flat. No clear sector-wide direction or momentum cluster appeared.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 02 | Clinical performance data | Positive | -0.4% | Peer-reviewed TAC-STIM study showed significant mood and performance improvements. |
| Nov 10 | Conference participation | Neutral | +1.3% | Planned management participation and investor meetings at MedTech forum. |
| Nov 05 | Earnings results | Positive | -4.2% | Record Q3 sales, higher VA and wellness revenue, raised 2025 guidance. |
| Oct 23 | Earnings scheduling | Neutral | +1.4% | Announcement of Q3 results release date and investor webinar details. |
| Oct 03 | Inducement grant | Neutral | +0.0% | RSU inducement grant to new HR executive under Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4). |
Positive fundamental or validation news (clinical data, earnings beat/guidance raise) has sometimes been followed by negative or muted price reactions, while neutral corporate updates have seen modest gains or flat trading.
Over the last few months, electroCore reported record Q3 2025 net sales of $8.7 million and raised 2025 revenue guidance to $31.5–$32.5 million, yet shares fell 4.24% after that earnings release. Participation announcements and governance items, such as conference attendance and RSU inducement grants, saw modestly positive or flat moves. Today’s TAC-STIM study in 70 active-duty Air Force trainees, showing statistically significant performance and mood benefits, fits a pattern of operational progress not always reflected in short-term price action.
Regulatory & Risk Context
An effective S-3 resale registration dated Oct 03, 2025 covers up to 762,508 shares of common stock for selling stockholders. The company is not selling securities under this registration and will not receive proceeds from these resales.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement details peer-reviewed TAC-STIM data in 70 active-duty Air Force trainees, showing statistically significant gains in mood, energy, perceived ability, and task performance, with p-values as strong as p<0.001. The findings extend earlier work and support broader defense and consumer applications. Recent history shows record Q3 revenue and higher 2025 guidance, alongside an active resale registration of 762,508 shares and insider selling, factors that investors may monitor alongside future clinical and commercial milestones.
Key Terms
transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation medical
neuroenhancement medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
ROCKAWAY, N.J., Dec. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- electroCore, Inc. (Nasdaq: ECOR) (“electroCore” or the “Company”), a bioelectronic technology company, today announced the publication of a peer reviewed paper titled “Non-Invasive Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation Enhances Mood, Task Performance, and Learning in a High-Stress Military Training Environment” which will be presented at the Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE2025) Conference on December 8, 2025.
The paper presents results from the latest controlled study involving the Company’s proprietary TAC-STIM™ non-invasive transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) device, which confirm the ability of the TAC-STIM device to enhance operational performance, resilience, and learning/skill acquisition in high-stress training environments. These findings, the first of their kind conducted in an active-duty operational setting, further position TAC-STIM and related (tVNS/nVNS) devices as transformative solutions with compelling potential for military training and deployment, law enforcement organizations, as well as elite athletes and consumers interested in improved cognitive performance and mood.
Study Design
- The study recruited 70 active-duty Air Force trainees, randomly assigned to receive either tVNS or a sham device during the third week of Military Qualification Training (MQT)— this training program’s most intensive phase.
- Airmen completed rigorous full-motion video intelligence tasks critical to mission success and underwent daily mood and energy assessments.
Key Results:
- tVNS user’s reported substantially reduced stress and distress, greater energy, and perceived skill improvements compared to the control group (statistically significant across multiple measures, including p<0.001 for distress, p=0.020 for perceived ability, and p=0.002 for energy).
- Objective performance gains were demonstrated in intelligence product quality, mission task execution, and instructor assessments (main effect group: p=0.020), with tVNS users excelling in real-time operational scenarios.
- These performance benefits were sustained throughout the training cycle, with lasting improvements in mood and resilience observed across four consecutive days.
This study replicates and extends the findings from earlier studies highlighting TAC-STIM as a relevant, accessible, deployable and safe neuroenhancement tool, designed specifically for high-value defense and security applications. Eric Liebler, one of the papers authors commented, “TAC-STIM was purpose-built to withstand the operational requirements of active-duty use based on the input and direction of Special Operations units within the Unites States Air Force and United States Army. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the training and operational readiness benefits that TAC-STIM offers.”
Mr. Liebler continued, “Beyond defense, tVNS / nVNS technology is well-positioned for accelerated entry into consumer wellness, workplace productivity, and educational markets. Benefits such as enhanced focus, accelerated skill acquisition, improved mood, and reduced fatigue align with the expanding demand for cognitive augmentation tools in civilian domains, from executive training to sports and healthcare.”
For access to the final paper, visit USAF TAC-STIM FMV AHFE 2026 Paper.
About electroCore, Inc.
electroCore, Inc. is a bioelectronic technology company whose mission is to improve health and quality of life through innovative non-invasive bioelectronic technologies. The Company’s two leading prescription products, gammaCore non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) and Quell® neurostimulator, treat chronic pain syndromes through non-invasive neuromodulation technology. Additionally, the company commercializes its handheld, and personal use Truvaga™ and TAC-STIM nVNS products utilizing bioelectronic technologies to promote general wellness and human performance.
For more information, visit www.electrocore.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and other written and oral statements made by representatives of electroCore may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the anticipated results from the publication demonstrating the effectiveness of non-invasive transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation and TAC-STIM for mood enhances, task performance, and learning in a high-stress military training environments, the Company’s future business strategies, growth opportunities, prospects, product development, and market expansion, and other statements that are not historical in nature, particularly those that utilize terminology such as “anticipates,” “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” and other words of similar meaning, derivations of such words and the use of future dates. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the ability to use strategic partnerships to provide more accessibility to those looking to purchase our consumer devices, the inherent uncertainties associated with developing new products or technologies, the ability to commercialize its products, electroCore’s results of operations and financial performance, inflation and currency fluctuations, and any expectations electroCore may have with respect thereto, competition in the industry in which electroCore operates and overall economic and market conditions. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and electroCore assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factor disclosure set forth in the reports and other documents electroCore files with the SEC available at www.sec.gov.
Contact:
ECOR Investor Relations
(973) 302-9253
investors@electrocore.com
FAQ
What did electroCore (ECOR) announce on December 2, 2025 about TAC‑STIM results?
When and where will electroCore present the TAC‑STIM study for ECOR?
How statistically significant were the TAC‑STIM study outcomes reported by ECOR?
What population did the ECOR TAC‑STIM study use and when during training was it applied?
What operational benefits did electroCore claim for TAC‑STIM (ECOR)?
Will the TAC‑STIM study results be relevant to markets beyond defense for ECOR?
