Improving hand motor functions in brain injury patients using brain stimulation and music-based exercises

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 the use of targeted non-invasive brain stimulation combined with music-assisted video game exercises to enhance hand motor functions in individuals with acquired brain injuries, such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. The approach aims to address persistent upper extremity dysfunction by personalizing the stimulation protocol to each patient's specific brain injury characteristics. Participants will undergo high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) while engaging in MusicGlove exercises designed to improve hand dexterity. The study will also monitor changes in brain activity through EEG to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:18 and 75 years

* Confirmed diagnosis of Acquired brain injury (individuals with stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury)
* At least 6 months post-injury
* Complaints of weak movement of hands and fingers
* Ability to understand the instructions that are part of the tDCS-MusicGlove testing and intervention
* Willingness and ability to participate in and travel to Kessler Foundation for the baseline assessment visits, 10 training visits, and post-training follow-up visits
* Ability to sit and be active for 2 hours on a chair (or wheelchair) without cardiac, respiratory and/or pain disturbances as assessed during the screening visit.
* Willingness to give written informed consent.
* Medically stable and not planning for a major change in medications for at least 4 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to move the hand because of muscle stiffness (scoring 3 or more on the Ashworth scale)
* Have lost the sensation of hand movement
* Have a history of alcohol abuse and/or illicit drug use
* Have a problem with the eyesight that would make it difficult to notice the changing instructions on a computer screen
* Currently enrolled in another research study that might affect this research study
* A history of epilepsy (including family members who are diagnosed with epilepsy)
* An active history of migraine or chronic headache
* A history of mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and PTSD)
* Past or current history of treated ringing in the ears known as tinnitus or severe hearing problems
* Have a tattoo with metal-based ink in the head or neck.
* Have severe skin damage on the scalp
* Afraid of confined spaces (claustrophobic)
* Have metallic implants, including intracranial electrodes, surgical clips, shrapnel or a pacemaker.
* Currently taking medications that increase the risk of seizures
* Pregnant

Where it's running

• Kessler Foundation
  West Orange, New Jersey, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Vikram Shenoy Handiru, PhD
• Email: vshenoy@kesslerfoundation.org
• Phone: 9733243578

Similar studies

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

• PIONEER-Prognosis: Using biomarkers and wearables to forecast recovery after mild traumatic brain injury

  This study tests whether blood biomarkers, health data from records, and wearables can help predict how people recover after a mild traumatic brain injury treated in the emergency department.

  Recruiting at 3 sites University of Michigan · Torrance, California and 4 other locations · NCT07858266

• HBOT to see if it helps cognition and well‑being in first responders with prior brain injury

  This study tests whether 40 hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions can improve thinking skills and post-concussion symptoms in current or former first responders with a history of brain injury.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Summit Hyperbarics and Wellness · Boise, Idaho · NCT07852728

• Depth Electrode Monitoring after Traumatic Brain Injury

  This study tests adding a depth electrode with continuous brain monitoring during external ventricular drain placement in adults with traumatic brain injury to see if cortical reverberation signals can be tracked safely.

  Recruiting Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute · Minneapolis, Minnesota · NCT07842458

• Understanding growth hormone deficiency after a brain injury in adults

  This observational study tests whether growth hormone deficiency affects quality of life and symptoms in adults with traumatic brain injury and whether GH replacement helps after 12 weeks.

  Recruiting University of Calgary · Calgary, Alberta and 1 other locations · NCT07795736

• Electrical stimulation-assisted exercise for people with lower limb paralysis

  This study tests whether adding electrical stimulation during exercise can improve leg muscle strength and endurance for people with paralysis.

  Recruiting Louis Stokes VA Medical Center · Cleveland, Ohio · NCT07768761

• ZEPU-2000 robotic rehab for arm and leg weakness

  This trial tests whether adding ZEPU-2000A, ZEPU-2000D, and ZEPU-2000E robotic rehabilitation to usual therapy helps adults with arm/leg movement problems from stroke, incomplete SCI, TBI, or related conditions.

  Recruiting Bangladesh Medical University · Dhaka · NCT07749612

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.