Noninvasive stimulation of the vagus nerve to improve hand function after stroke
Official title: Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Motor Learning & Mechanisms
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11067746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a gentle way to help stroke survivors improve their hand movement and skills by using a small electrical device on the ear, making it easier and less invasive than other methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004532-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067746 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a stroke and are seeking to improve their hand function and daily living activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or do not have impairments affecting hand function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of noninvasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) to enhance motor learning and recovery of hand function in stroke survivors. By applying electrical stimulation to specific sites on the external ear, the study aims to identify optimal conditions for improving motor skills through task repetition. The approach is designed to be less invasive and more affordable than traditional vagus nerve stimulation methods, which require surgical implantation. The research will also explore how the timing and intensity of stimulation affect learning outcomes, using pupil dilation as a measure of physiological response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques that enhance hand function and independence for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using vagus nerve stimulation for rehabilitation, but the specific application of taVNS is still being explored and is considered novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Urbin, Michael a. — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Urbin, Michael a.
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.