Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) and Robotic Training to Improve Arm Function After Stroke

Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals between 18 and 85 years of age * First single focal unilateral supratentorial ischemic stroke with diagnosis verified by brain imaging (MRI or CT scans) that occurred at least 6 months prior * Cognitive function sufficient to understand the experiments and follow instructions (per interview with Speech Pathologist or PI) * Fugl-Meyer assessment 12 to 44 out of 66 (neither hemiplegic nor fully recovered motor function in the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist). Exclusion Criteria: * Botox treatment within 3 months of enrollment * Fixed contraction deformity in the affected limb * Complete and total flaccid paralysis of all shoulder and elbow motor performance * Prior injury to the vagus nerve * Severe dysphagia * Introduction of any new rehabilitation interventions during study * Individuals with scar tissue, broken skin, or irremovable metal piercings that may interfere with the stimulation or the stimulation device * Highly conductive metal in any part of the body, including metal injury to the eye; this will be reviewed on a case by case basis for PI to make a determination * Pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant or breastfeeding during the study period * Significant arrhythmias, including but not limited to, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, sick sinus syndrome, and A-V blocks (enrollment to be determined by PI review) * Presence of an electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated implant (including cardiac pacemaker), …