University Retirees Volunteer Center

Brain Activity MRI Study on Laryngeal Dystonia

Program Overview:

• The Human Sensorimotor Control Laboratory conducts research to better understand how the human brain controls movement, with a focus on sensorimotor function and neurological disorders.
• One of our ongoing research areas is laryngeal dystonia (LD), a neurological voice disorder that can make speaking difficult.
• Our research uses vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS), which applies gentle vibrations to the throat area, together with brain imaging and voice assessments.
• We aim to understand how VTS affects brain activity and voice function, and how it may help improve voice symptoms in people with laryngeal dystonia. Learn more at 🌐https://hsc.umn.edu/.

Volunteer Activities:

• Volunteers participate in a one-time research visit lasting approximately 4.5–5 hours.
• Complete two 7-T MRI scans, each lasting approximately 90 minutes.
• Complete voice assessments before, between, and after the two MRI scans.

Date, Time and Location:

• Once eligible for the study, participants will be scheduled for a study visit in August or September 2026, depending on participant and MRI scanner availability.
• This is a one-time visit lasting approximately 4.5–5 hours at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR). University of Minnesota: 2021 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Volunteer Eligibility and Training Requirements:

Volunteers must:

• Be healthy adults who meet the study’s age and sex matching criteria.
• Be eligible to undergo 7-T MRI scanning.
• No known neurological or orthopedic deficits that may affect speech motor functions.
• Eligibility will be determined through a medical history review and MRI safety screening. No prior experience or special training is required.

Physical expectations:

• Participants should be able to lie still in the MRI scanner for approximately 90

minutes at a time and tolerate the enclosed MRI environment.

What to wear (or not to wear):

• Participants should wear comfortable clothing without metal.
• Scrubs will be provided before the MRI scan.

Volunteers’ food / beverage availability:

• Water will be available during the visit.
• Participants should avoid caffeine before the study visit.

Parking / Transportation:

• Free parking is available for study participants next to the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research building: 21st Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Volunteer compensation:

• Participants will receive $100 in compensation for completing the study visit.
• Payment will be provided through ClinCard.

Deadline for volunteer application: September 30, 2026

To Register for this Activity:  

Contact study coordinator, Xinyi Zhou, by email at zhou1969@umn.edu.