Ear stimulation may boost motor learning in seniors

NCT ID NCT06323954

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Georgia Institute of Technology Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This study tests whether a mild electrical pulse to the ear (tVNS) during finger training can help older adults learn motor skills faster. 32 healthy adults aged 65-84 will be randomly assigned to receive real or fake stimulation while practicing finger control. Researchers will measure how quickly their error rate drops over training sessions.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, non-invasive way to boost motor learning in older adults, potentially aiding rehabilitation or skill retention.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 32 participants. The effect may be small or not different from sham stimulation, and results may not apply to people with health conditions.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OLDER ADULTS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Human Neuromuscular Physiology Lab
RECRUITING

Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, United States

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