Exploring how vagus nerve stimulation can improve movement after chronic stroke
Official title: Mechanisms of paired vagus nerve stimulation in human chronic stroke
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10827024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using a special device to stimulate a nerve in the neck, along with rehabilitation exercises, can help people who have had a stroke regain better movement in their arms and hands.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,038,313 |
| NIH project number | 1U01HD112564-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10827024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a chronic stroke and are facing upper extremity motor impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a stroke or those with acute stroke conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) combined with rehabilitation training to enhance recovery of upper extremity motor function in individuals who have experienced a chronic stroke. The approach involves delivering electrical stimulation to the cervical vagus nerve during specific training movements, which has shown promise in animal models for promoting brain plasticity and improving motor skills. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind this therapy in humans and identify which patients may benefit the most, potentially leading to more effective treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques for stroke survivors, enhancing their ability to regain motor function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown some success with vagus nerve stimulation in animal models and early clinical trials, but this specific approach in chronic stroke patients is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schambra, Heidi — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Schambra, Heidi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation to Improve Movement After Stroke
A new non-invasive technique called kilohertz Transcranial Magnetic Perturbation (kTMP) is being tested to improve arm movement in people who have chronic stroke.
-
Instrumented brain organoids for chronic stroke repair
A study exploring how tiny, living brain tissue 3D «organoids» attached to flexible, safer electrodes could help restore brain function after a stroke.
-
Multisensory support to improve standing balance after stroke
This project uses extra sensory feedback to help people with long-term stroke improve their standing balance.
-
Biomarkers to predict who benefits from high‑intensity aerobic training after chronic stroke
This project looks at blood and brain signals to figure out who with long‑term leg weakness after stroke will get better with high‑intensity aerobic training.
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Improving hand function in stroke survivors with muscle activation techniques
This study is looking at how special techniques can help people who have had a moderate-to-severe stroke improve their hand use, making it easier for them to do everyday tasks and regain their independence.
-
Understanding balance control while walking in people with chronic stroke
This study looks at how people who have had a stroke keep their balance while walking in tricky situations, and it aims to find ways to help them improve their walking and balance during recovery.
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.