Brain-based predictors of the ability to learn a new skill in stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Are there brain-based predictors of the ability to learn a new skill in healthy ageing and are they altered by having a stroke?
IRAS ID
195798
Contact name
Adela Desowska
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East London
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN92358992
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
The aim of the study is to analyse the brain's electric activity (electroencephalography; EEG) during the motor learning process. The main hypothesis is that the brain activity of stroke patients during learning to perform a movement would be different from that of age-matched controls, even if their arm function is fully recovered.
The participants recruited for this study will be 22 patients after their first-ever stroke, affecting initially their right hand function and 22 age-matched controls. For the feasibility of the experimental task, only the patients with recovered arm function will be tested.
The participants will be recruited at a stroke follow-up clinic, where their initial hand function will be assessed. They will be invited to take part in a neuropsychology testing session followed by motor adaptation testing session, in which their hand function and the potential to learn new movements will be assessed. Their clinical MRIs will be obtained. EEG recording of the brain activity will be used during a motor adaptation procedure utilizing a robotic arm manipulandum (Interactive Motion Technologies, Cambridge, USA). The participant's task will be to perform 96 reaching movements (Familiarization phase), followed by 96 reaching movements while the robot adds force against the movement (Motor Adaptation) and finally 96 movements of no-force added condition (Wash Out). Electric activity (EMG) of the right-hand muscles will also be recorded.
All the procedures used are safe and non-invasive and there are no risks associated with taking part in the study. There are no direct benefits for the participants of the study.
The main outcome measures will be the EEG derived measures of brain motor-evoked responses and the data will be analysed within a 2 (participant group) x 3 (experimental condition) design.REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1975
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion