Actively Recruiting
Modulation of Brain Rhythms in Stroke
Led by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Updated on 2026-04-27
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
56 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lead Sponsor
E
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this research study is to examine communication between brain and muscle in individuals with stroke and determine if applying non-invasive brain stimulation to different parts of the brain improves this communication and performance on a hand squeezing task. The investigators will fit participants with an electroencephalography (EEG) cap and place electromyography (EMG) stickers on participants hand and arm muscles to record brain and muscle activity, respectively. Participants will complete a single research visit lasting approximately 3 hours. During this visit, participants will receive two different types of non-invasive brain stimulation: \[1\] stimulation to the motor part of the brain and \[2\] stimulation to the visual part of the brain. Participants will be randomized so that half will receive stimulation to the motor part of the brain first followed by stimulation to the visual part of the brain second and vice versa. Participants will complete three blocks of hand squeezing trials using the stroke-affected (weak) hand. During the first block of squeezing trials, no brain stimulation will occur. During the second and third blocks, participants will receive stimulation just before each hand squeezing trial. The investigators will record participants' brain and muscle activity during these blocks of hand squeezing trials. Additionally, participants will also complete screening tests and exams looking at mood, motor function, and cognition.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Modulation of Brain Rhythms in Stroke
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Chronic (≥ 6 months) unilateral cortical or subcortical ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by medical records
- Upper limb weakness (hemiparesis) on the side opposite the stroke
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of 21 points or higher
- Sufficient communication skills and English proficiency to understand and safely follow study procedures
- Presence of ipsilesional motor-evoked potential response
- Ability to perform an isometric grip task with the affected hand (make a fist)
You will not qualify if you...
- Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (e.g., seizure activity within past 2 years, pregnancy, metal implants)
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment score below 21 points
- Currently receiving physical or occupational therapy or participating in another stroke-related clinical trial
- Other injuries or conditions affecting the affected limb beyond stroke (e.g., arthritis)
- Impaired vision not corrected by aids such as glasses or contacts
- History of cerebellar stroke
- Major medical, neurological, or psychiatric conditions affecting physical function as determined by a physician
- Absence of ipsilesional motor-evoked potential response
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Bondurant Hall
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27514
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jessica M Cassidy, DPT, PT, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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