Predicting motor skill errors before they happen
Official title: Predicting Future Errors During Skill Performance
Run by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT06707207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if we can predict mistakes in movement up to one second before they happen in healthy young adults to help prevent those errors.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | November 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06707207 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy right-handed adults aged 18 to 35.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe neurological or psychological conditions, or those who are pregnant, may not benefit from this study.
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 aims to determine if motor skill errors can be predicted up to one second before they occur, allowing for timely intervention to prevent mistakes. Participants, who are healthy right-handed adults aged 18 to 35, will undergo physical and neurological exams, as well as MRI and MEG scans to analyze brain activity related to motor skills. The study utilizes a machine learning approach to identify brain patterns that precede errors in motor performance, building on previous findings that could predict errors 0.1 seconds in advance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to the development of warning signals that help individuals avoid critical errors in high-stakes situations.
How similar studies have gone: While previous studies have shown the ability to predict errors shortly before they occur, this approach aims to extend that prediction window, making it a novel exploration in the field.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study * Male or female, aged 18-35 * In good general health as evidenced by medical history and normal neurological examination as determined by the screening clinician * English speaking * Right-handedness as reported by participant * Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * HCPS-affiliated NIH staff (i.e. - staff from our section) * Current pregnancy * Contraindications for MRI, or MEG * Severe or progressive neurological, psychological or medical condition as determined by the medical history review or physical and neurological exam.
Where it's running
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Leonardo G Cohen, M.D. — National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- Study coordinator: Catherine L Blumhorst, C.R.N.P.
- Email: cathy.blumhorst@nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 451-1335
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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.