How brain stimulation affects motor learning
Official title: Interaction of Motor Learning with Transcranial Direct Current - Efficacy and Mechanisms
Funded at City College of New York · NIH-10990986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gentle electrical stimulation technique called tDCS can help improve motor skills, and it involves both people and rats to see how different levels of stimulation and tasks work together to boost learning.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | City College of New York NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $489,315 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130484-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation would include individuals with motor learning difficulties or neurological impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have motor learning challenges or neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on motor learning by examining how different intensities of stimulation and specific behavioral tasks interact. The study will involve both human participants and rat models to explore the mechanisms behind motor learning and the effectiveness of tDCS. By using advanced electrode designs, the research aims to enhance the stimulation effects on the motor cortex, potentially leading to improved learning outcomes. The findings could clarify how to optimize tDCS for therapeutic applications in motor skill development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for improving motor skills in patients with neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with tDCS in enhancing motor learning, but this approach aims to refine and expand upon those findings.
Where this research is happening
-
City College of New York
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parra, Lucas C — City College of New York
- Study coordinator: Parra, Lucas C
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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.