Brain State-Dependent PCMS for Stroke Recovery

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

After stroke, people often have difficulty using their hands. Combined brain and nerve stimulation can strengthen the neural pathways that control hand function. In this study, we will deliver combined brain and nerve stimulation during specific time windows that increase activation of neural pathways underlying hand function. We will compare the effects of combined brain and nerve stimulation during these optimal time windows to the effects of combined brain and nerve stimulation applied during random time windows on post-stroke hand function.

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who have had a stroke at least 6 months ago and now struggle with hand function due to upper extremity hemiparesis. They must be mentally fit (with a Mini Mental State Exam score over 24), willing to participate, able to consent, and have some movement in their affected arm but not full recovery (Fugl-Meyer score under 66).

Inclusion Criteria

I had a stroke more than 6 months ago.

You scored higher than 24 on the Mini Mental State Exam.

I have weakness in one of my arms.

See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

Your score on a mental exam is 24 or lower.

You have medical reasons that make it unsafe for you to receive transcranial magnetic stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation.

My brain does not respond normally to a specific type of brain scan.

See 2 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

Brain State-dependent Paired Corticomotoneuronal Stimulation (PCMS) (Brain Stimulation)
Phase-dependent Paired Corticomotoneuronal Stimulation (PCMS) (Brain Stimulation)

Trial OverviewThe study tests whether delivering paired corticomotoneuronal stimulation (PCMS) during specific brain states improves hand function after stroke compared to random timing of PCMS. It aims to strengthen the neural pathways that control the hand by using combined brain and nerve stimulation.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: PCMS during brain states reflecting strong corticospinal transmissionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group II: PCMS during random brain statesActive Control1 Intervention