Using vagal nerve stimulation to reduce pain and slow the progression of osteoarthritis

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates how vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) can help manage osteoarthritis (OA) pain and its progression, particularly in veterans who are disproportionately affected by this condition. The study aims to understand the biological responses of joint tissues to inflammation and mechanical stress, which may contribute to OA symptoms. By utilizing both clinical data from veterans and animal models, the research seeks to develop targeted therapies that can effectively alleviate pain and improve joint function. The approach combines laboratory findings with clinical applications to ensure that new treatments are grounded in real-world patient needs.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
  Oklahoma City, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Humphrey, Mary Beth — Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Humphrey, Mary Beth

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Understanding how knee pain and knee obesity and muscle loss affect knee osteoarthritis

  This project looks at how knee swelling, excess knee fat, and muscle loss relate to pain and structural changes in knee osteoarthritis in adults.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11644470

• Identifying OA subtypes and early warning signs before joint damage

  This grant asks researchers to find early, invisible clues of osteoarthritis subtypes so we can target treatments before joints are damaged.

  NIH research Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged · Boston, United States · NIH-11629811

• Digital biomarkers to guide personalized rehab after ACL injury

  Aims to use wearable sensors and phone videos to predict early osteoarthritis risk after ACL surgery so rehabilitation can be tailored to each patient.

  NIH research Carnegie-Mellon University · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11611050

• Aberrant mechano-oxygen coupling linked to zinc-rich mineralization in osteoarthritis

  Aims to understand how abnormal joint forces affect cartilage and bone, causing zinc-rich mineral deposits and harmful blood vessel growth in osteoarthritis.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11538110

• Notch signaling in TMJ osteoarthritis: uncovering mechanisms and new targets

  Researchers are studying how Notch signaling affects TMJ osteoarthritis to identify new ways to protect and repair the jaw joint.

  NIH research Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, United States · NIH-11522770

• Nanoparticles delivering an sPLA2 blocker for knee osteoarthritis

  This project uses tiny, drug-filled nanoparticles to deliver an sPLA2-blocking medicine into the knee to reduce inflammation and slow knee osteoarthritis in people with painful knee OA.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11516244

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.