Brain Areas That Control Reaching Movements After Stroke: Task-relevant Connectivity and Movement-synchronized Brain Stimulation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how different areas of the brain control arm movement before and after stroke, using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) during reaching movements performed with a robotic arm device. The study focuses on reorganization of brain network interactions after a common type of subcortical stroke, aiming to understand how connectivity between premotor and primary motor areas changes and influences motor performance. This knowledge may help develop targeted brain stimulation treatments to improve arm function after stroke. Participants will receive paired pulse TMS while performing reaching tasks with an advanced exoskeleton robotic system. The main study period involves using TMS synchronized with the reaching movements to examine how brain areas contribute to motor control. This approach is designed to collect detailed data on brain connectivity and motor output during the task. During the study, participants will be evaluated with measures such as path length, movement times, velocities, accuracy, and muscle activity (EMG) immediately following stimulation. The study includes behavioral testing and neurophysiology assessments to understand brain and motor function. Participants' medical stability and ability to engage in tasks will be monitored, with total involvement lasting as long as the testing and training sessions require.

Brain Connections for Arm Movement After Stroke