Mapping brain activity during shoulder movement in stroke patients
Mapping Corticoreticulospinal Motor Control Using Brainstem and Spinal Cord fMRI in Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke
This study is testing how the brain works during shoulder movements in stroke survivors to find new ways to help them regain control of their movements.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06598150 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study utilizes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural pathways involved in shoulder abduction tasks among individuals who have experienced a stroke. By focusing on the corticospinal and corticoreticular tracts, the research aims to identify which motor pathways are activated during movement, potentially revealing alternative pathways that could be targeted for rehabilitation. The study seeks to generate a novel dataset that can inform future interventions aimed at improving motor control in stroke survivors. Participants will be screened for eligibility based on their ability to perform the task and their medical history.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced a unilateral stroke with moderate-to-severe upper limb motor impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with severe concurrent medical problems, significant brainstem or cerebellar lesions, or those unable to undergo MRI will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors, enhancing their upper limb motor control.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been research on cortical activity post-stroke, this approach of directly mapping descending motor pathways using fMRI is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged at least 18y * Able to perform shoulder abduction task (confirmed during screening and initial examination) * Safe to undergo MRI * Able to follow visual instructions using MRI-compatible vision correction goggles * No brainstem or cerebellar lesions * No severe concurrent medical problems * Cognitive/attentional capacity to focus on a task * Able to communicate in English or Spanish Additional inclusion criteria for stroke participants: * Have sustained only one unilateral subcortical, ischemic lesion in the territory supplied by the Middle Cerebral Artery (confirmed by clinical or radiological reports) at least one year prior to participation in this project * Paresis confined to one side, with moderate-to-severe motor impairment of the upper limb (Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer score between 10 and 45). Exclusion Criteria: * MRI contraindications * Severe claustrophobia * Pregnant women * Prisoners * Vulnerable populations * Diagnosis/history of: * multiple sclerosis * brain tumor * brain radiation * traumatic brain injury * dementia * Parkinson's disease * Concurrent enrollment in an intervention study * Concurrent use of medications known to suppress central nervous system activity
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Northwestern University — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Molly G Bright, DPhil — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Michelle Medina, BS
- Email: anvil@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 872-272-7687
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.