Exploring how vagus nerve stimulation can improve recovery after a stroke
Official title: Noradrenergic mechanisms of vagus nerve stimulation mediated stroke rehabilitation
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11097280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using a device that stimulates the vagus nerve during rehab exercises can help stroke survivors recover their movement skills better and faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS123074-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a stroke and are facing challenges with upper limb mobility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not suffered 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) to enhance recovery of motor function in patients who have suffered a stroke. By applying brief bursts of VNS during rehabilitation exercises, the study aims to promote neuroplasticity in the brain's motor cortex, which is crucial for regaining movement abilities. The approach builds on previous successful trials and seeks to optimize the treatment to benefit more patients. Participants will engage in rehabilitative training while receiving VNS to potentially improve their upper limb function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery outcomes for stroke patients, enhancing their ability to regain motor function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with vagus nerve stimulation in enhancing recovery after stroke, indicating a potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thorn, Catherine a — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Thorn, Catherine a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how vagus nerve stimulation helps stroke recovery to guide better treatments
This NIH grant uses computer models to figure out how brief, task-timed vagus nerve stimulation affects the brain after stroke and helps movement recovery.
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Calcium imaging guides deep brain stimulation to boost chronic stroke recovery in a rat model
A research team is testing how customizing deep brain stimulation parameters in rats with stroke can improve long-term motor recovery, with the goal of guiding future patient treatments.
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Targeting synapse turnover to boost stroke recovery
Aims to find ways to shape brain rewiring after stroke by guiding how synapses grow, with the goal of helping adults recover upper-limb function.
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Wearable EMG-FES System to Help Stroke Recovery and Find Biological Markers
A wearable sleeve that uses your own muscle signals to help arm movement after stroke, while researchers look for biological clues that track recovery.
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Noradrenergic VNS to boost stroke rehab outcomes
A patient-oriented look at a therapy that combines brief vagus nerve stimulation with physical rehab to help people recover arm movement after a stroke.
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How rehab changes the brain after stroke
This project will look at how rehabilitation training changes brain activity and connections after stroke to help people regain movement.
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.