Improving walking in Veterans with Parkinson's disease using vagus nerve stimulation

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of non-invasive cervical Vagal Nerve Stimulation (ncVNS) to enhance gait and balance in Veterans suffering from Parkinson's disease. The approach involves using a handheld device that stimulates the vagus nerve on the left side of the neck, which can be self-administered at home. By focusing on a non-pharmacological method, the research aims to address gait disturbances that significantly impact the quality of life for these Veterans. The study is particularly relevant for older adults managing multiple chronic conditions and who may have difficulty with traditional treatments.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital
  Hines, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Kletzel, Sandra Lynn — Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital
• Study coordinator: Kletzel, Sandra Lynn

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Personalized closed-loop treatment for freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

  A new implantable brain device trial aims to reduce freezing of gait in people with Parkinson’s by using on-device brain signals to guide stimulation in real time.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11424676

• Understanding movement transitions in Parkinson's disease and how cues help freezing of gait

  A study with people who have Parkinson's disease will explore why freezing of gait happens during movement changes and how external cues might help keep steps going.

  NIH research University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-11387870

• Feasibility of an AI-Driven Gait Freeze Detector to Trigger Pauses and Cues in Parkinson’s

  A small study tests an AI system that detects when a person with Parkinson’s is about to freeze and gives a cue only at that moment to help them keep walking.

  NIH research Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland, United States · NIH-11354931

• Stimulation of the vagus nerve to help gait in Veterans with Parkinson’s disease

  A non-invasive, home-based treatment using a handheld device to stimulate the vagus nerve may improve walking and balance for Veterans living with Parkinson’s disease.

  NIH research Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital · Hines, United States · NIH-11319019

• How Parkinson's affects walking and brain signals

  This project looks at how Parkinson's and levodopa change brain activity during walking and whether cueing helps people walk more automatically.

  NIH research Oregon Health & Science University · Portland, United States · NIH-11290413

• Why walking starts and turns can trigger freezing in Parkinson's

  This project looks at brain and balance signals in people with Parkinson's who freeze when they start walking or turn, and how external cues can help.

  NIH research University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-11177626

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.