Actively Recruiting
Brain Function During Grasping Task in Three to Nine Months Infants Using fNIRS, Comparing Full-Term and Preterm Born Infants
Led by University Ghent · Updated on 2025-08-29
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how infants develop the ability to reach and grasp objects, focusing on brain activity during this important motor skill development. The study includes 100 infants aged 3 to 9 months, comparing 50 full-term infants and 50 preterm infants born before 36 weeks gestational age. This research aims to understand the brain mechanisms behind motor skill maturation and the impact of preterm birth on these processes. The study uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to non-invasively measure brain activity while infants perform reach-to-grasp tasks. Infants will complete a series of movements including left-hand, right-hand reaching, and bimanual toy exploration, with rest periods between actions. The fNIRS cap, sized to fit infant head circumference, records brain signals from the sensorimotor cortex. Additionally, clinical assessments such as the Hand Assessment for Infants and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination will be performed. Participation involves a single assessment session where infants are prompted to reach and grasp toys while brain activity is recorded. During the session, infants also watch a video to maintain a resting state for fNIRS recording. Researchers will measure brain activity laterality, bimanual and unilateral activity, functional connectivity, and hand function. The study monitors neurological development and aims to provide insights into typical and atypical motor skill development in infancy.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
fNIRS Grasping Task in Infants
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Infants aged 3 to 9 months
- Can tolerate wearing the fNIRS cap
- Performs at least two grasping attempts with one hand within one minute when prompted with a toy
You will not qualify if you...
- History of peripheral neurological lesions such as plexus brachialis lesion
- Presence of epilepsy or congenital brain malformation
- No informed consent obtained
- Severe visual impairments
- Syndromal or genetic diseases causing developmental delay
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single assessment visit
Participants undergo brain imaging using fNIRS during reach-to-grasp tasks and bimanual toy exploration, along with clinical assessments to evaluate hand function and neurological development.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
hent University, vakgroep revalidatiewetenschappen
Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium, 9000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nele De Bruyn, Phd
C
Christine Van den Broeck, prof. dr.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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