Evaluating brain stimulation effects on movement in stroke patients

Phase-dependent Evaluation of Motor Cortex Excitability With TMS in Stroke

Not applicable Interventional University of Minnesota · NCT04968743

This study tests if a brain stimulation technique can improve movement in stroke patients by looking at how it affects their brain's motor control.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT04968743 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) affects motor cortex excitability in individuals who have experienced a stroke. It aims to understand the influence of the phase of the oscillatory rhythm, specifically the mu frequency, on motor excitability. By measuring motor evoked potentials (MEPs) at different phases of the motor mu-rhythm, the study seeks to characterize differences in cortical excitability among stroke patients. The ultimate goal is to enhance rehabilitation strategies for improving movement in stroke survivors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who have suffered a chronic stroke with self-reported motor deficits occurring more than six months prior to enrollment.

Not a fit: Patients with metal or electric implants in the head, neck, or chest area, or those who have had recent botulinum toxin treatment, pregnancy, or a history of unprovoked seizures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques for stroke patients, enhancing their motor recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with TMS in stroke rehabilitation, although this specific phase-dependent approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Suffering from chronic stroke, resulting in self-reported motor deficits (stroke occurring more than 6 months before study enrollment)
* Confident level of English language

Exclusion Criteria:

* Metal or electric implant in the head, neck, or chest area
* Upper extremity botulinum toxin treatment in the last 6 months
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Prior occurrence of unprovoked seizure

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stroke
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.