Understanding how the motor cortex controls movement complexity

Determining the Sources of Motor-Cortex Response Complexity

['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10990784

This study looks at how a part of the brain that helps us move reacts to different types of movements, especially in people who have had a stroke or other conditions that affect their ability to move, to find better ways to help them regain control of their movements.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10990784 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the motor cortex, the brain area responsible for voluntary movement, responds to various movement parameters and how this complexity affects motor function. By analyzing the unique response patterns of neurons in the motor cortex, the study aims to uncover the relationship between neural activity and movement, particularly in individuals who have experienced damage due to stroke or disease. The approach involves examining the diverse and multiphasic responses of motor cortex neurons to better understand their role in movement control and potential treatment strategies for movement deficits.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced a stroke or other conditions affecting the motor cortex and are facing challenges with voluntary movement.

Not a fit: Patients with intact motor function or those not affected by motor cortex damage may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals with movement deficits caused by stroke or other neurological conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding motor cortex function, but this specific approach to characterizing response complexity is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.