Exploring how expectations influence brain stimulation effects on learning new motor skills
Official title: Measuring Expectancy Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Motor Learning
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11044576 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your beliefs about a brain stimulation technique called tDCS might help you learn new motor skills better, even if you don't actually receive the stimulation, and it's for anyone interested in improving their motor skills through understanding the power of their expectations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $95,340 |
| NIH project number | 3R21AT012088-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044576 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing rehabilitation for motor skill deficits who are open to non-invasive brain stimulation techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have motor learning challenges or those who are not interested in participating in brain stimulation therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how participants' expectations about transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can affect their ability to learn new motor skills. By applying low levels of electrical current to the scalp, the study aims to determine if the belief in the effectiveness of tDCS can enhance motor learning, even when no actual stimulation is applied. The researchers will compare the outcomes of participants with high expectations against those with lower expectations to see how belief impacts skill improvement. This approach seeks to refine the use of tDCS in neurorehabilitation by integrating psychological factors into treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective motor learning therapies that harness the power of patient expectations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that psychological factors, such as expectations, can significantly influence treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaefer, Sydney Yoshie — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Schaefer, Sydney Yoshie
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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.