Understanding how the cerebellum affects social rewards
Pinpointing the Cerebellum's Contribution to Social Reward Processing
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · NIH-11088856
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the cerebellum, which helps with movement, also affects how people understand social rewards and emotions, especially in those with autism, to learn more about its role in these important areas.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE PARK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11088856 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the cerebellum, a brain region traditionally associated with motor control, in processing social rewards. It aims to explore how individuals with cerebellar lesions experience difficulties not only in movement but also in social cognition and emotional processing. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study will analyze the cerebellum's involvement in reward-related tasks, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The goal is to uncover the cerebellum's contributions to these complex behaviors and improve our understanding of its broader functions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 21 and older who have autism spectrum disorders or related conditions.
Not a fit: Patients without autism spectrum disorders or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better therapeutic strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the cerebellum's role in non-motor tasks, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE PARK, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK — COLLEGE PARK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: POPAL, HAROON SKANDER — UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
- Study coordinator: POPAL, HAROON SKANDER
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.
Conditions: autism spectral disorder, autism spectrum disorder