Changing brain rhythms to help hand movement after stroke

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this randomized crossover pilot, 20 people with chronic (≥6 months) unilateral stroke will complete a single ~3-hour visit during which investigators record brain activity with EEG and muscle activity with EMG while participants perform a precision grip task. Participants will receive two types of beta-burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): one targeted to the ipsilesional motor hotspot (active) and one to the ipsilesional occipital cortex (control), with order randomized. Each participant performs three blocks (total 60 trials) of an isometric grip task before and after each stimulation condition, and investigators will measure corticomuscular coherence (CMC) in the beta band (13–30 Hz) as the primary physiologic outcome. The protocol is designed to test whether enhancing beta-range oscillations can strengthen functional connectivity between cortex and affected hand muscles.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Chronic (≥ 6 months) unilateral cortical/subcortical ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke as confirmed by medical records
* Upper extremity weakness (hemiparesis) contralateral to the stroke
* Sufficient cognitive capacity (Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≥ 21 points), communication function, and English proficiency to understand and safely comply with all study procedures
* Ipsilesional motor-evoked potential response
* Able to perform isometric grip task by making a fist with their stroke-affected hand (hand contralateral to the stroke)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to TMS (seizure activity within past 2 years, pregnancy, indwelling metal)
* Cognitive deficits (Montreal Cognitive Assessment \< 21 points)
* Concurrent physical/occupational therapy and/or clinical trial participation related to stroke
* Injury or conditions that impact affected extremity-use beyond stroke (e.g., arthritis)
* Impaired vision despite use of aid (e.g. glasses, contacts, etc.)
* Cerebellar stroke
* Major medical/neurological/psychiatric condition impacting physical function in the opinion of the physician co-investigator
* Absent ipsilesional motor-evoked potential response

Where it's running

• Bondurant Hall
  Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jessica M Cassidy, DPT, PT, PhD — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Study coordinator: Jessica M Cassidy, DPT, PT, PhD
• Email: CassidyLab@unc.edu
• Phone: 919-966-8404

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.