Using noninvasive nerve stimulation to improve motor skills in older adults
Official title: Pairing tVNS with motor skill training in older adults
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-10988636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a gentle, noninvasive treatment called transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) can help older adults improve their movement skills and strength when combined with practice exercises.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $236,094 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG081704-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing decline in motor skills due to aging or neurological injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe neurological impairments or those who are unable to participate in motor skill training may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) combined with motor skill training on improving motor function in older adults. The approach is based on promising animal studies that showed significant improvements in motor recovery and learning when VNS was applied during training. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of tVNS, which is a noninvasive method, in enhancing motor skills and strength in aging humans. By focusing on the timing of stimulation after successful trials, the research seeks to optimize the benefits of this intervention for better motor function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved motor skills and independence for older adults, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies have shown significant success with similar approaches, indicating potential for positive outcomes in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shinohara, Minoru — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Shinohara, Minoru
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.