Exploring Brain Connections for Arm 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

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

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

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• Video call assessment for suspected stroke

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• Evaluating the impact of artery calcification on stroke treatment outcomes

  This study is trying to see if the amount of calcium in the arteries affects how well stroke patients do after a specific treatment for blocked blood vessels.

  Recruiting Zhujiang Hospital · Guangzhou, Guangdong · NCT06418698

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.