Infant brain activity during reach-to-grasp using fNIRS
Official title: Brain Function During Grasping Task in Three to Nine Months Infants Using fNIRS , the Difference Between Full and Preterm Born Infants
Run by University Ghent · NCT07147673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Months to 9 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 26, 2022 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07147673 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.