Understanding how the brain learns to move and speak
Official title: Fundamental predictive computations in upper-limb and speech adaptation
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11048539 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains learn to move and talk better, which could help people with movement or speech challenges improve their skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $440,610 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS134754-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048539 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with upper-limb motor impairments or speech disorders who are seeking innovative rehabilitation approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable motor function and no speech difficulties may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain adapts movements and speech through a process called motor learning. It focuses on the internal models that predict sensory outcomes and how these models can be influenced by motor plans and sensory feedback, even without actual movement. By using techniques like behavioral studies, electromyography, and functional neuroimaging, the research aims to uncover the neural signals necessary for effective motor learning. This could lead to new insights into rehabilitation strategies for individuals with movement or speech disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance rehabilitation methods for patients recovering from motor impairments or speech difficulties.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding motor learning and adaptation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdougle, Samuel David — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Mcdougle, Samuel David
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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.