Exploring how sleep affects motor skills in young children
Understanding the relationship between sleep, motor learning, and motor development in early childhood
['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST · NIH-11068082
This study is looking at how different sleep patterns might help 4-year-old kids learn and remember new motor skills, like tracing shapes, so we can understand how sleep affects their development.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HADLEY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11068082 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between sleep patterns and motor skill development in early childhood. By focusing on 4-year-old children, the study will analyze how specific sleep features, such as sleep spindles and slow oscillations, influence the ability to learn and remember motor tasks. Participants will engage in a mirror-tracing task at different times of the day, with their sleep monitored through advanced EEG techniques. The goal is to identify sleep markers that can predict both motor memory consolidation and overall motor development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 4 years who are developing motor skills.
Not a fit: Children outside the age range of 4 years or those with significant sleep disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing motor skill development in young children through better sleep management.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the impact of sleep on motor learning in adults, suggesting potential for similar findings in children.
Where this research is happening
HADLEY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST — HADLEY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HORGER, MELISSA NOEL — UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
- Study coordinator: HORGER, MELISSA NOEL
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.