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Non-Invasive Brain Signal Training to Induce Motor Control Recovery After Stroke

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Stroke
Interventions
Other: Surface functional electrical stimulation (FES)
Other: Motor learning
Other: Brain computer interface (BCI) training
Registration Number
NCT00746525
Lead Sponsor
Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
Brief Summary

The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the benefits of combination motor learning training and brain computer interface training for restoring arm function in people with stroke. Our aim was to determine whether the surface-acquired brain signal (electroencephalography (EEG)) can feasibly be used as a neural feedback system to drive more normal motor function in stroke survivors.

Detailed Description

The financial burden and human suffering are devastating after stroke due to the lack of rehabilitation protocols that can restore normal brain and motor function. Conventional treatment does not restore normal motor function to many stroke survivors. The majority of available treatments are directed at the peripheral nervous system (arms/legs). Since stroke occurs in the brain and results in brain damage and dysfunction, a more direct approach may be to re-train the brain by directly treating the activation of brain signals that control movement.

The purposes of this study are to determine if motor learning, functional electrical stimulation (FES), and brain computer interface (BCI) training are beneficial for restoring arm function in people who have had a stroke, and to determine if the surface-acquired brain signal \[electroencephalography (EEG)\] can be re-trained to provide more normal motor function in stroke survivors. The primary purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of the motor learning tasks in stroke recovery.

In the study, scientists will use two different and complimentary brain signal training components to restore more normal motor control of a motor task (elbow, wrist, or finger movement task). Specifically targeting, invoking, and training the surface-acquired EEG brain signal, and integrating brain signal training into motor learning training of upper limb motor tasks, may result in greater motor restoration when compared to a comprehensive motor learning intervention without EEG brain signal training.

Eight people who had a stroke were enrolled in the experimental group. They received brain signal training and comprehensive motor learning based therapy.

An additional 5 healthy adults were enrolled in order to study their ability to acquire brain signal control and the characteristics of their brain signal during the tasks that the stroke participants attempted.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
8
Inclusion Criteria
  • medically stable and >/= 6 months post stroke
  • difficulty using upper limb for functional tasks
  • >21 years old
Exclusion Criteria
  • chronic, progressive medical condition (i.e. Parkinson's disease)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Brain Computer Interface Training Stroke Experimental GroupSurface functional electrical stimulation (FES)Individuals in the stroke experimental group received treatment with BCI, FES, and motor learning targeted at their upper extremity motor deficits following stroke.
Brain Computer Interface Training Stroke Experimental GroupBrain computer interface (BCI) trainingIndividuals in the stroke experimental group received treatment with BCI, FES, and motor learning targeted at their upper extremity motor deficits following stroke.
Brain Computer Interface Training Stroke Experimental GroupMotor learningIndividuals in the stroke experimental group received treatment with BCI, FES, and motor learning targeted at their upper extremity motor deficits following stroke.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
EEG (electroencephalography)Week 12

measures brain activity during a specified movement task

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Malcom Randall VA Medical Center

🇺🇸

Gainesville, Florida, United States

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