Understanding how aging affects balance through vestibular reflexes
Official title: Nonlinearities in Human Vestibular Reflexes
Funded at James Madison University · NIH-10858557 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects balance by checking how well the inner ear helps with stability, and it's designed for adults who want to understand more about balance issues and improve their overall stability.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | James Madison University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Harrisonburg, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $414,011 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021684-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10858557 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience balance issues or dizziness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have balance disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how age-related changes in the vestibular system impact balance in adults. Using advanced electrophysiological techniques, the study aims to identify nonlinear responses in vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), which are crucial for detecting balance-related signals. By examining these responses in relation to aging, the research seeks to enhance clinical diagnosis and rehabilitation strategies for individuals experiencing balance disorders. Participants will undergo assessments to evaluate their vestibular function and balance capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for balance disorders in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of vestibular reflexes is established, the specific focus on nonlinearities in human responses is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piker, Erin G — James Madison University
- Study coordinator: Piker, Erin G
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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.