Effects of Imagining Fast vs. Slow Muscle Contractions on Muscle and Nervous System Function
Does the Speed of Imagined Muscle Contractions Affect Muscle Function and Central Nervous System Excitability?
This study tests whether imagining fast or slow muscle contractions can improve muscle function and nervous system responses in healthy young adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kennesaw State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kennesaw, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06627491 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates how imagining fast or slow muscle contractions affects nervous system excitability and muscle function in healthy young adults. Participants will attend four laboratory visits where they will perform imagined muscle contractions without physical movement. The study will compare the effects of fast and slow contractions against a control condition to determine which method yields greater improvements in muscle function and nervous system responses. Measurements will include brain stimulation and muscle contraction assessments before and after each imagined contraction session.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18 to 30 who are right-handed and have not engaged in structured exercise for the past three years.
Not a fit: Patients with medical conditions, recent upper extremity injuries, or those taking certain medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of motor imagery techniques, potentially improving rehabilitation strategies for muscle function.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has shown promising results in using motor imagery for enhancing muscle function.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be between the ages of 18 - 30 * Healthy (no medical conditions) * If female, must be taking the same monophasic oral contraceptive for the past 6 months * Have a body mass index between 18.5 - 30 kg/m2 * Have not performed structured cardiovascular or resistance exercise in past 3 years * Be right-handed * Not currently taking stimulants, antipsychotic, anxiety, or depression medications * Have not suffered an upper extremity musculoskeletal injury within the past year Exclusion Criteria: * If transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is not deemed appropriate depending on your responses to the TMS-specific questionnaire * Being ambidextrous * Although rare, you will be excluded if discernable muscle activation responses are not possible via TMS
Where this trial is running
Kennesaw, Georgia
- Kennesaw State University — Kennesaw, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Garrett Hester, Ph.D.
- Email: ghester4@kennesaw.edu
- Phone: 470-578-4267
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.