Actively Recruiting
tVNS During Motor Training in Older Adults
Led by Georgia Institute of Technology · Updated on 2026-04-21
32
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
61 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
G
Georgia Institute of Technology
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Florida
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this study is to learn about the effect of applying transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) during motor training on motor learning in older adults. The main question it aims to answer is whether applying tVNS after successful motor trials (post-success tVNS) will facilitate the rate of motor learning. Participants will be randomly assigned to tVNS or sham group and receive tVNS or sham, respectively, at the outer ear during finger control training sessions. Finger control performance will be tested before and after the training sessions without outer ear stimulation.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
tVNS During Motor Training in Older Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 65 to 84 years old of any race, gender, or ethnicity
- Right-handed
- Physically and cognitively healthy
You will not qualify if you...
- Younger than 65 or older than 84 years old
- Current or history of cardiac disease
- Implanted device such as neurostimulator, cochlear implant, cardiac pacemaker, medical pump, or intracardiac line
- Current or history of tympanic membrane perforation
- Musculoskeletal problems preventing hand function, such as arthritis
- Vision problems not corrected by glasses or contacts
- Uncorrected hearing impairments
- History of stroke, brain lesion, brain tumor, head injury, or brain surgery
- Frequent or severe headaches
- History of fainting spells or syncope
- Presence of metal in the head like shrapnel or surgical clips
- Brain conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, or Alzheimer's
- Illness causing brain injury like meningitis or aneurysm
- Head trauma with loss of consciousness or diagnosed concussion
- Being treated for psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or schizophrenia
- Pregnant or suspected pregnancy
- Cognitive impairment confirmed by Mini-Mental State Exam score less than 26
- Musculoskeletal injury limiting hand range of motion
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Human Neuromuscular Physiology Lab
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30332
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Minoru Shinohara, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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