Developing and Optimizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Motor Rehabilitation

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Motor Skills; Motor Cortex
• Interventions: Device: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

• Registration Number: NCT05861284
• Lead Sponsor: Elisa Kallioniemi

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate three different transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols and their impact on motor system neurophysiology and skill learning.

Detailed Description

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that induces long-term changes in connections between neuronal networks. This and the ability to activate the whole motor system allows the use of TMS to facilitate motor recovery. The motor system has different excitatory states associated with ongoing mu oscillation. Here, the investigators will monitor brain mu oscillations in real-time non-invasively using electroencephalography and modulate the function of the motor system. The investigators will test the impact of three different TMS protocols on motor system neurophysiology and skill learning. These data will provide novel understanding needed to improve TMS approaches for individuals requiring motor rehabilitation.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2023-04-27
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-05-06
• Study First Posted: 2023-05-16
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-23
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-25
• Study Start: 2025-05-01
• Primary Completion: 2025-08-01
• Study Completion: 2026-08-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 45

Inclusion Criteria

• 18-40 years old
• Able to read, understand, and sign the informed consent in English
• Right-handed

Exclusion Criteria

• A sensory or physical impairment
• History of epilepsy or seizures in the family
• Non-removable metal or electronics (e.g., a cochlear implant, cardiac pacemaker, or implanted electronic devices) in your head or body
• A head injury with loss of consciousness
• Diagnosis of psychiatric or neurological disorder
• Skin defects or active infections on the scalp or hands
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Single-pulse TMS over the primary motor cortex	Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)	We will administer single-pulse TMS to the primary motor cortex while measuring motor responses and just before a skill-learning task.
Sham TMS over the primary motor cortex	Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)	We will administer sham TMS to the primary motor cortex while measuring motor responses and before a skill-learning task.
Paired-pulse TMS over the primary motor cortex	Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)	We will administer paired-pulse TMS to the primary motor cortex while measuring motor responses and just before a skill-learning task.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Effect of TMS on motor evoked potentials	Up to 1 second after TMS	Amplitude of the motor evoked potentials in millivolts.
Skill learning speed	Up to 12 minutes	Skill learning speed in seconds.
Skill learning accuracy	Up to 12 minutes	Skill learning accuracy as the total number of correct responses.