How the brain's two halves interact to help arm recovery 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

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• De Hoogstraat Revalidatie
  Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jord Vink, PhD
• Email: j.j.vink-5@umcutrecht.nl
• Phone: +31634959811

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

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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.