Tiny electrical stimulation to improve balance and walking in older adults with vestibular loss
Novel Neuromodulation Treatment of Age Related Vestibular Loss to Improve Balance and Gait in Elderly Individuals
This work uses very low, barely noticeable electrical pulses to the inner ear balance system to help older adults with age-related vestibular loss walk steadier and reduce falls.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181662 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have small electrodes deliver very low, random electrical pulses to the vestibular system (the inner-ear balance nerves) over a sustained period. The research team will measure your balance and gait with clinical tests and sensors before, during, and after the stimulation. Stimulation levels are set below the level you can feel and are intended to enhance natural balance signals rather than replace them. The goal is to find safe settings and see whether these changes lead to lasting improvements in walking and stability for older adults with vestibular hypofunction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults with age-related vestibular hypofunction or chronic balance and gait problems who can travel to clinic visits and tolerate mild electrical stimulation would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People whose balance problems are mainly due to non-vestibular causes (for example severe peripheral neuropathy or advanced neurodegenerative disease), those with incompatible implanted devices, or those who cannot undergo electrical stimulation may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a safe, non-drug option to improve balance and walking and lower fall risk in older adults with vestibular loss.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier small studies, including work by this team, reported improvements in vestibular reflexes, balance, and gait with similar low-level random electrical stimulation, though long-term benefit still needs confirmation.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Serrador, Jorge M. — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Serrador, Jorge M.
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 below.