Brain-guided non-invasive stimulation to improve adult reading skills
Bridging the gap between brain network science and high-definition non-invasive brain stimulation to develop a scalable adult literacy intervention
This project uses brain imaging and targeted non-invasive brain stimulation alongside reading practice to help adults with low reading comprehension understand written text better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184439 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have brain scans (fMRI) and EEG to map the brain networks involved in reading, and researchers would use that information to guide where to apply high-definition non-invasive brain stimulation. Sessions of targeted stimulation would be paired with reading training to try to strengthen the brain pathways that support comprehension. The goal is to create a scalable program that could be delivered widely if it improves reading ability. The work combines brain-network science with practical training aimed at adult learners.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who struggle to understand basic texts or have low reading comprehension are the ideal candidates for this work.
Not a fit: People with normal reading skills, children, or individuals who cannot undergo MRI or brain stimulation (for example, those with implanted medical devices or uncontrolled seizures) are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve reading comprehension for adults with low literacy and lead to a scalable intervention that improves health and economic outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous non-invasive brain stimulation work for learning and reading has produced mixed or modest results, and using brain-network-guided stimulation for adult literacy is a relatively new and untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aboud, Katherine — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Aboud, Katherine
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.