Infant brain activity during reach-to-grasp using fNIRS
Brain Function During Grasping Task in Three to Nine Months Infants Using fNIRS , the Difference Between Full and Preterm Born Infants
This project will try to see how brain activity during reaching and grasping differs in 3 to 9-month-old preterm and full-term infants using noninvasive fNIRS.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Months to 9 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen) |
| Trial ID | NCT07147673 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to record brain activity while infants perform reach-to-grasp tasks. A cross-sectional sample of 100 infants (50 born <36 weeks gestation and 50 full-term) aged 3 to 9 months corrected age will be assessed once. Infants will complete event-related blocks of left-hand, right-hand, and bimanual toy exploration while wearing an fNIRS cap (NSP2/NIRx), with multiple repetitions and rest periods. Analyses will compare motor-related activation, maturation effects, and laterality between preterm and full-term groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are 3 to 9-month-old infants (corrected age) who can tolerate the fNIRS cap and will make at least two grasp attempts with a hand when prompted.
Not a fit: Infants with epilepsy, major congenital brain malformations, severe visual impairment, peripheral neurological lesions (e.g., brachial plexus), or genetic syndromes associated with developmental delay are unlikely to benefit from the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could reveal early neural markers of atypical motor development and help target earlier interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior fNIRS work has successfully measured motor-related brain signals in infants, but applying it specifically to reach-to-grasp comparisons between preterm and term infants is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 3-9 months old * can tolerate the fNIRS cap * performs at least 2 grapsing attempts with one hand within one minute when prompting the hand with a toy Exclusion Criteria: * history of periferal neurological lesion such as plexus brachialis lesion * presence of epilepsia, congenital brain malformation, * no informed consent * severe visual impairments * syndromal or genetical diseases resulting into developmental delay
Where this trial is running
Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen
- hent University, vakgroep revalidatiewetenschappen — Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nele De Bruyn, Phd — University Ghent
- Study coordinator: Nele De Bruyn, Phd
- Email: nele.debruyn@ugent.be
- Phone: 00329 332 69 21
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.