Vagus nerve stimulation helps the brain rewire by targeting inhibitory interneurons
Vagus nerve stimulation drives plasticity through inhibitory interneurons
Pairing timed vagus nerve stimulation with rehabilitation aims to help people recovering from stroke and brain injuries reconnect brain circuits and regain movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11327388 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines how short bursts of vagus nerve stimulation, delivered at specific moments during rehab, change brain circuitry to improve motor learning and recovery after stroke. The team focuses on cholinergic signals from the basal forebrain and how they influence inhibitory interneurons in motor cortex, which gate synaptic plasticity. Using laboratory models tied to stroke and motor training, investigators will map the circuit changes that occur with closed-loop stimulation. The goal is to use those insights to make stimulation timing and targets more precise for restoring arm and hand function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults recovering from stroke or similar brain injuries with arm or hand weakness who are undergoing or willing to undergo paired rehabilitation are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without motor impairments, those with contraindications to nerve stimulation or implants, or those not participating in paired rehabilitation are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could make rehabilitation more effective after stroke or brain injury, improving recovery of arm and hand movement.
How similar studies have performed: Closed-loop VNS paired with rehab is already FDA-authorized to improve upper-limb function after stroke and early animal and clinical studies have shown promising results in other injuries.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welle, Cristin G — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Welle, Cristin G
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.