Improving motor performance through cognitive strategies
Official title: Approaching sensorimotor learning from another angle: Exploring and leveraging different cognitive strategies for improving motor performance
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11054692 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different thinking techniques can help improve movement skills for everyday tasks, and it's for both healthy people and those with spinocerebellar ataxia, with the hope of finding better ways to support recovery for those with cerebellar damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 12, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $370,470 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131552-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054692 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia and those interested in enhancing their motor performance through cognitive strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe cognitive impairments or those who do not have any motor performance issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different cognitive strategies can enhance sensorimotor learning, which is crucial for performing daily activities. It explores two main mechanisms: an algorithm-like strategy that simulates actions before they are performed, and a retrieval-like strategy that recalls successful past actions. The study will involve both healthy individuals and those with spinocerebellar ataxia, aiming to understand how these strategies can be optimized for better motor performance. The ultimate goal is to develop new rehabilitation methods for individuals with cerebellar damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative rehabilitation techniques that significantly improve motor skills in patients with neurological conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cognitive strategies to enhance motor learning, suggesting that this approach could yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Jordan a — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Jordan a
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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.