Tracking tactile signals in the nervous system
Tracking a Tactile Signal Along the Nervous System
This study is testing how touch signals move from the fingertips to the brain in young adults and stroke survivors to see if there are differences in how they process and perceive these signals.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Blacksburg, Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06231810 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to quantify how tactile signals travel from the fingertips through the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system and ultimately to cognitive perception in both young adults and individuals who have experienced a stroke. The research will involve tactile stimulation and will compare neurotypical participants with those who have had a stroke. The study will assess the differences in signal processing and perception between these two groups, focusing on the flow of information through the nervous system.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include right-handed young adults aged 18-23 who are neurotypical, as well as individuals with a history of stroke who meet specific criteria.
Not a fit: Patients who are minors, pregnant, or unable to provide informed consent, as well as those with certain neurological conditions or recent antispastic injection treatments, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of tactile perception and improve rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, there is limited information on similar studies, indicating that this may be a novel exploration in the field.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: -right-hand dominance for participants who are neurotypical For Aim 1: -age range of 18-23 For Aim 2: * participants who are neurotypical will be a similar age to the participants with stroke * participants who are neurotypical will have no musculoskeletal and neurological conditions * participants with stroke will have a single stroke incident resulting in a unilateral lesion (ischemic and hemorrhagic) * participants with stroke will be in the chronic phase (\>1 year from stroke onset) * participants with stroke will have an onset of stroke after the age of 18 * participants with stroke who meet the criteria of having the capacity to provide informed consent, regardless of aphasia Exclusion Criteria: * minors * pregnant women * prisoners * adults not capable of consenting on their own behalf. For Aim 2: * participants with stroke who have used antispastic injections in the past six months * participants with stroke who have a lesion in the brainstem and/or cerebellum * participants with stroke who have a stroke arising due to brain surgery * participants with stroke who have hemineglect
Where this trial is running
Blacksburg, Virginia
- Virginia Tech — Blacksburg, Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Netta Gurari, PhD — Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Study coordinator: Netta Gurari, PhD
- Email: gurari@vt.edu
- Phone: 540-231-3073
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.