tVNS During Motor Training in Older Adults

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) in the brain
• •Had a head injury or brain surgery
• •Suffer from frequent or severe headaches
• •Had a fainting spell or syncope
• •Have any metal in the head such as shrapnel, surgical clips, or fragments from welding or metal work
• •Have any implanted device such as cardiac pacemakers, medical pumps, or intracardiac lines
• •Had any brain-related conditions (i.e. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson, Alzheimer)
• •Had any illness that caused brain injury (i.e. meningitis, aneurysm, brain tumor)
• •Had any head trauma that was associated with a loss of consciousness or diagnosed as a concussion
• •Being treated for any psychiatric condition (i.e. depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia)
• •Suspected of pregnancy
• •Pregnant
• •Cognitive status issues as confirmed with the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE \<26)
• •Musculoskeletal condition or injury that would limit hand range of motion