Investigating how learning new skills affects brain connections in schizophrenia
Official title: White Matter Plasticity in Schizophrenia
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11056314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in brain structure might affect thinking skills in people with schizophrenia, and it will see if learning to play a mock musical instrument can help improve both brain health and cognitive abilities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $201,503 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH136412-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with schizophrenia or those who are unable to participate in skill-based training may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between white matter abnormalities in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia and their cognitive challenges. Using a non-invasive imaging technique called Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), the study will assess changes in brain structure before and after participants engage in a skill-based training program involving a mock musical instrument. The goal is to determine if learning can enhance white matter development and improve cognitive function in these individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that enhance cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing cognitive function through skill learning in other populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiappelli, Joshua — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Chiappelli, Joshua
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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.