Predicting motor skill errors before they happen

Predicting Future Errors During Skill Performance

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT06707207

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 typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) (nih)
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT06707207 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy right-handed adults aged 18 to 35.

Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological or psychological conditions, or those who are pregnant, may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Healthy, Brain, Motor Skill

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.