Exploring Brain Connections for Arm Movement After Stroke
Brain Areas That Control Reaching Movements After Stroke: Task-relevant Connectivity and Movement-synchronized Brain Stimulation
This study is testing how different parts of the brain work together to control arm movement before and after a stroke, to see if new stimulation methods can help stroke patients regain better use of their arms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 76 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT04286516 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how different brain areas control arm movement before and after a stroke using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in conjunction with a robotic arm device. The research focuses on understanding the reorganization of brain network interactions following a subcortical stroke, specifically targeting the internal capsule. By examining the connectivity between premotor cortical areas and the primary motor cortex, the study aims to identify optimal stimulation strategies to enhance motor control in stroke patients. The findings could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques that enhance the quality of life for individuals with arm dysfunction post-stroke.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 45-90 with a history of unilateral hemiparetic stroke and mild to moderate arm dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients with serious medical illnesses or orthopedic problems that limit arm movement may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective rehabilitation strategies that improve arm movement and overall quality of life for stroke patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies using TMS for stroke rehabilitation have shown promising results, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Inclusion Criteria (control participants): * Be 45-90 years of age * Have adequate language and neurocognitive function to participate in training and testing * Be medically stable to participate in the study * Be English speaking Inclusion Criteria (participants with stroke): * Be 45-90 years of age * Clinically defined, unilateral, hemiparetic stroke with radiologic exclusion of other possible diagnosis * Stroke onset at least 6 months before enrollment * Subcortical stroke (ex: internal capsule, deep white matter of posterior frontal lobe) * Present with mild to moderate arm dysfunction * Be medically stable to participate in the study * Be English speaking Exclusion Criteria: (for both groups) * Unable to give informed consent * Have a serious complicating medical illness that would preclude participation * Contractures or orthopedic problems limiting range of joint motion in the potential study arm or other impairments that would interfere with the study activities * Visual loss such that the subject would not be able to see the test patterns on the robot computer monitor * Unable to comply with requirements of the study * Enrollment in another greater-than-minimal risk study * Presence of medical condition or implant that prevents safe administration of TMS or MRI * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: George F. Wittenberg, MD PhD — VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA
- Study coordinator: Amy Boos
- Email: amy.boos2@va.gov
- Phone: (412) 648-4179
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.