Vibrotactile stimulation to help people with chronic cough that doesn’t respond to treatment
Official title: Vibrotactile stimulation of the larynx for refractory chronic cough
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11395500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests a vibrating stimulation device for the voice box to help people with stubborn chronic cough feel better and cough less.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $189,904 |
| NIH project number | 5R34HL174877-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with refractory chronic cough who have not benefited adequately from standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience cough reduction or who cannot tolerate vibrotactile stimulation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores using a small, wearable vibrotactile device placed near the larynx to deliver gentle vibrations during breathing and speaking. Researchers will test different dosing levels to find the most effective and comfortable amount of stimulation. The goal is to reduce cough frequency and improve quality of life for adults with refractory chronic cough who have not responded to standard therapies. Participants will be monitored for safety, cough outcomes, and changes in throat sensation and breathing. If successful, this approach could lead to a new option for people who struggle with persistent coughing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience fewer coughing episodes and better daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings suggested potential improvements in cough-related quality of life and cough counts with vibrotactile stimulation, but larger studies are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Misono, Stephanie — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Misono, Stephanie
Related research
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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.