Multimodal VR framework to support brain rhythms and movement using rhythmic sound and visuals
Official title: Developing a Deep Multimodal Immersive Framework for Cortical Motor Entrainment of Rhythmic Audio-Visual Stimuli
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-11365657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new VR-based system uses rhythmic sounds and visuals to help people with motor conditions like stroke or Parkinson’s disease, by studying how the brain links movement with hearing and sight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project start | July 22, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $187,400 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS144127-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with stroke or Parkinson’s disease who are exploring rehabilitation options and are able to participate in VR-based tasks.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without motor impairment or those unable to engage with VR-based rehabilitation tasks may see limited or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project will create a VR-based, multimodal platform that combines EEG, fNIRS, EMG, and immersive audio-visual stimuli to study how rhythmic cues influence brain networks involved in movement. By analyzing how the motor and auditory areas couple with each other and with muscles during rhythmic entrainment, the team aims to uncover neural mechanisms that support neurorehabilitation. The long-term plan is to translate these insights into targeted, more effective therapies for motor recovery after stroke or Parkinson’s disease. The work will involve developing a VR interface that synchronizes rhythmic auditory stimulation with observed actions to elicit consistent brain and muscle responses. If successful, this framework could guide personalized rehabilitation approaches in clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to better neurorehabilitation strategies for stroke and Parkinson’s disease by leveraging rhythmic audio-visual cues to enhance motor recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown potential benefits of rhythmic multimodal stimulation for motor tasks, but the specific neural mechanisms and integrative framework are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shahriari, Yalda — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Shahriari, Yalda
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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.