Pairing tVNS With Motor Skill Training in Older Adults
Georgia Institute of Technology
Summary
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.
Description
The participants will be randomly assigned to a tVNS or control group. They will visit the lab for four sessions. The main motor task is to trace target trajectories with finger forces. As the pre- and post-tests, all participants will be tested on a force tracing motor task with the left hand. There will be no electrical stimulation during the tests. During the training sessions, all participants will wear surface electrodes on the outer ear. The attachment sites are the tragus or cymba concha (depending on the shape and size of the ear) for the tVNS group and the earlobe for the sham group.…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65–84 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * 65-84 years old across all races, genders, and ethnicities. * Right-handed * Physically and cognitively healthy Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 65 years old or older than 84 years old * Current or history of cardiac disease * Have an implanted device such as a neurostimulator or cochlear implant * Current or history of tympanic membrane perforation * Have a musculoskeletal issue that prevents hand function (e.g., arthritis) * Have a vision problem not corrected by glasses or contact lenses * Uncorrected auditory impairments * Had a stroke or lesion (including tumor)…
Interventions
- ProceduretVNS stimulation
Electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve area.
- ProcedureSham stimulation
Electrical stimulation to the non-vagus nerve area.
Location
- Human Neuromuscular Physiology LabAtlanta, Georgia