Using music and brain stimulation to improve arm function in patients with corticobasal syndrome
Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Upper Extremity Performances in Patients With Corticobasal Syndrome
This study is testing whether using music and brain stimulation can help improve arm movement in people with corticobasal syndrome.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT05073471 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of musical patterns and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to enhance upper extremity performance in patients with corticobasal syndrome (CBS). A total of 20 participants will be randomly assigned to either a patterned sensory enhancement (PSE) group or a PSE combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) group. Each intervention will last 30 minutes, occurring twice a week for three weeks, with various assessments conducted to evaluate functional outcomes, quality of life, and brain activity. The goal is to explore innovative, non-invasive rehabilitation methods for improving motor functions in CBS patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed adults aged 18-89 diagnosed with corticobasal syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of migraines, scalp conditions, metallic implants, or other neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance upper extremity function and overall quality of life for patients with corticobasal syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: While tDCS has shown promise in various neurological conditions, this specific combination of music therapy and brain stimulation in CBS is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with CBS * Age range 18-89 * Right-handed Exclusion Criteria: * A history of migraines * Have a scalp or skin condition (e.g., psoriasis or eczema) * Have any metallic implants, including intracranial electrodes, surgical clips, shrapnel or a pacemaker * Have had a head injury resulting in a loss of consciousness that has required further investigation * Have diagnosed psychological or neurological disorders * Have had a seizure * Have had adverse effects to previous tDCS or other brain stimulation techniques (e.g., TMS) * Pregnancy * Inability or unwillingness to follow directions for study procedures
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexander Pantelyat, MD — Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Alexander Pantelyat, MD
- Email: apantel1@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 4105023290
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.