Understanding how the brain helps us learn new motor skills
Official title: Lateralization of posterior-parietal cortex contributions to motor learning
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10994881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain helps us learn new physical skills, like picking up a new sport, and it will see if gently stimulating this area can make learning those skills easier and faster for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $650,878 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS139424-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced strokes or have difficulties with motor learning and adaptation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with intact motor skills or those not experiencing motor learning difficulties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different parts of the brain contribute to learning new motor skills, such as adapting to a new sport. It focuses on the posterior parietal cortex, particularly the left hemisphere, and how it affects motor adaptation and skill learning. The study will use non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to explore whether stimulating this area can enhance learning and transfer of skills. By examining how these processes work, the research aims to improve our understanding of motor learning in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for individuals recovering from strokes or other conditions that affect motor skills.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the posterior parietal cortex in motor learning, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sainburg, Robert L — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Sainburg, Robert L
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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.