Investigating how expectations influence motor learning with brain stimulation
Official title: Measuring Expectancy Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Motor Learning
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11044582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS can help people learn new motor skills better, especially by seeing if what you believe about the treatment makes a difference in how well you do.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $153,637 |
| NIH project number | 3R21AT012088-01A1S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing rehabilitation for motor skill deficits or those interested in enhancing their motor learning abilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have motor learning challenges or those who are not interested in brain stimulation therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, on motor learning. It aims to understand how participants' expectations about the effectiveness of tDCS can impact their learning outcomes, potentially enhancing the benefits of the stimulation. By comparing actual stimulation with placebo conditions, the study seeks to determine the role of expectancy in improving motor skills. The findings could lead to more effective neurorehabilitation strategies that consider both the stimulation and the individual's beliefs about its efficacy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved motor learning techniques that enhance rehabilitation outcomes for patients with motor impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that expectations can significantly influence treatment outcomes in various therapeutic contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaefer, Sydney Yoshie — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Schaefer, Sydney Yoshie
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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.