Paresis
Conditions
Keywords
Learning, Neurological Rehabilitation
Brief summary
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.
Detailed description
Existing evidence supports the use of VNS to enhance the effects of traditional therapy on impairments due to neurological injury. It is known that the vagus nerve forms contacts with neuromodulatory nuclei in the brainstem that release of chemicals shown to be critically involved in attentional control and memory formation. It is also known that the auricular branch of the vagus nerve innervates portions of the external ear providing a possible means to engage similar neural pathways noninvasively via transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS). Recent work from the PI's laboratory shows that electrical current applied to landmarks on the external ear elicits transient effects on pupil dilation, an established physiological index of brain states that support learning. Given the ability to engage the biomarker, the investigators aim to further investigate physiological mechanisms modulated by taVNS and possible effects on learning.
Interventions
OTHERTranscutaneous Electrical Stimulation
Electrical pulse trains applied to the skin overlying putative sites of auricular vagal innervation.
OTHERSham
Electrodes placed on the skin overlying putative sites of auricular vagal innervation but no current administered.
Sponsors
VA Office of Research and Development
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Subjects will be randomized into one of 5 groups and receive the designated stimulation/sham during a training protocol designed to facilitate motor learning.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
ALL PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS: 1. 18-75 years of age PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS DIAGNOSED WITH STROKE: 2. Diagnosis of a single stroke resulting in hand impairment 3. Diagnosis of stroke at least six months prior to the time of participation
Exclusion criteria
ALL PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS: 1. History of vestibular disorders or dizziness 2. Difficulty maintaining alertness and/or remaining still 3. Pregnant or expecting to become pregnant 4. Diagnosis of neurological and/or musculoskeletal disorder(s) (other than stroke) that affect movement 5. Ocular disease and/or impairment in more than one eye 6. History of seizure and/or epilepsy 7. Implants, devices, or foreign objects in the brain/body that are incompatible with MRI 8. Body size that is incompatible with MRI scanner dimensions 9. Anyone already enrolled and actively participating in another greater than minimal risk study. PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS DIAGNOSED WITH STROKE: 10. Other impairments secondary to stroke (e.g., attention, cognition, etc.) that would interfere with the ability to understand study goals or follow simple instructions, as judged by the investigators.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Force Control Change | Pre, 1-week Post, 1-month Post | Subjects will be tested on the same task used for training that involves controlling finger forces. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
CONTACTMichael A Urbin, PhD
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORMichael A. Urbin, PhD
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
Outcome results
None listed