Improving balance and stability in individuals with vestibular issues
Official title: Subthreshold vestibular stimulation as a strategy for rehabilitation
Funded at Creighton University · NIH-11017740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with balance and dizziness issues caused by bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) by using gentle movements to train the brain, which might improve balance and reduce symptoms like blurry vision and falls.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creighton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DC020759-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with bilateral vestibular hypofunction experiencing symptoms like dizziness and imbalance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unilateral vestibular issues or those without vestibular dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to help individuals with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH), a condition that causes dizziness and balance problems. By using low-amplitude motion stimuli, the study aims to enhance the brain's ability to respond to self-motion cues, potentially improving balance and reducing symptoms like unstable vision and falls. Participants will undergo assessments to measure changes in their sensitivity to motion cues, which could lead to better rehabilitation strategies tailored specifically for BVH patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve balance and quality of life for individuals suffering from BVH.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using sensory stimuli to enhance neural plasticity, suggesting this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Creighton University
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wagner, Andrew Raymond — Creighton University
- Study coordinator: Wagner, Andrew Raymond
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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.