How the brain's two halves interact to help arm recovery after stroke
Interaction Between the Brain Hemispheres - Key to Motor Recovery After Stroke
This research will try applying inhibitory brain stimulation (cTBS) to the side of the brain opposite a recent stroke to see if it helps people with arm weakness regain movement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UMC Utrecht Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Utrecht, Utrecht) |
| Trial ID | NCT06381388 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study delivers continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), a form of non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation, to the contralesional motor cortex in patients 3–6 weeks after a first-ever ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage. Participants with unilateral upper‑limb weakness (Motricity Index 9–99) will receive the intervention while clinical motor outcomes and neurophysiological or imaging markers of interhemispheric network activity are recorded. Healthy control participants with normal motor function will be enrolled for comparison of baseline neurophysiology. The aim is to link changes in brain network activity with motor recovery and to identify which patients respond best to contralesional cTBS.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with a first-ever ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage, unilateral upper-limb paresis with a Motricity Index of 9–99, able to consent, and within 3–6 weeks after stroke onset are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with prior upper-limb paresis, severe comorbid medical or psychiatric conditions, severe communication or cognitive deficits, contraindications to TMS/MRI, or pregnancy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help improve arm movement recovery after stroke by restoring more balanced brain network activity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that contralesional inhibitory TMS or cTBS can improve motor recovery in some stroke patients, but responses vary and the mechanisms remain unclear.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for patients: * Age ≥ 18 years; * First-ever ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage in a cerebral hemisphere or the brainstem; * Unilateral paresis of an upper extremity with a Motricity Index (MI) between 9 and 99 * Inclusion possible between 3 weeks and 6 weeks after stroke onset; * Signed informed consent. Inclusion Criteria for healthy controls: * Age ≥ 18 years; * Signed informed consent. * Normal motor function with a minimum Motricity Index (MI) of 99. Exclusion Criteria: * Disabling medical conditions (severe heart disease, severe head trauma, severe mental illness); * Severe deficits in communication, memory or understanding which could impede participation, as determined by the treating physician; * Contraindications to TMS and/or MRI (ferrous implants, history of epilepsy, drug or alcohol abuse over a period of 6 months prior to the experiment, pregnancy); * Life expectancy shorter than one year; * Upper limb paresis prior to stroke onset.
Where this trial is running
Utrecht, Utrecht
- De Hoogstraat Revalidatie — Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jord Vink, PhD
- Email: j.j.vink-5@umcutrecht.nl
- Phone: +31634959811
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.