Actively Recruiting
Pupil-Indexed Noninvasive Neuromodulation
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-04-24
110
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
217 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is thought to activate neural pathways that release chemicals which promote plasticity and learning. Previous work has shown that the auricular branch of the vagus nerve innervates landmarks on the external ear. Work from the PI's laboratory has shown that electrical current applied to the external ear modulates physiological indexes of brain states implicated in the therapeutic effects of VNS. The broad objective of this project is to better understand physiological mechanisms modulated by auricular stimulation to support possible therapeutic effects in the form of motor learning.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Pupil-Indexed Noninvasive Neuromodulation
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 75 years
- Diagnosis of a single stroke causing hand impairment (for stroke participants)
- Stroke diagnosis at least six months prior to participation (for stroke participants)
You will not qualify if you...
- History of vestibular disorders or dizziness
- Difficulty maintaining alertness or remaining still
- Pregnant or expecting to become pregnant
- Neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting movement other than stroke
- Ocular disease or impairment in more than one eye
- History of seizure or epilepsy
- Implants, devices, or foreign objects incompatible with MRI
- Body size incompatible with MRI scanner dimensions
- Currently enrolled in another greater than minimal risk study
- Other impairments from stroke (e.g., attention, cognition) interfering with understanding or following instructions, as judged by investigators (for stroke participants)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15240
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Michael A Urbin, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
5
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