~4 spots leftby Apr 2026

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation + Music-Assisted Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: Kessler Foundation
No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Acquired Brain Injury (TBI) is a serious medical and health problem in the US. Individuals with an acquired brain injury due to stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) commonly suffer from upper extremity physical impairments that persist even after years of injury; these deficits are attributed to the damage to brain structure and changes in structural and functional connectivity. Although the conventional rehabilitation approaches are helpful in assisting motor recovery often there is a complaint of fatigue due to the repetitive tasks and also, nearly half of the ABI survivors do not regain their ability to use their arms for daily activities. To address this issue, Dr. Shenoy's proposed study will investigate the combined use of individually targeted non-invasive brain stimulation and music-assisted video game-based hand exercises to achieve functional recovery. Further, the project will also investigate how the intervention modulates brain activity (recorded using EEG) in terms of brain connectivity before- and after the -intervention. In the end, this study will allow us to understand the cortical dynamics of ABI rehabilitation upon brain stimulation. Extending further, this could pave the way to advance the knowledge of behavioral and neural aspects of motor control in patients with different types of neuromuscular disorders.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-75 who have had a brain injury from stroke or trauma at least 6 months ago. They should be able to follow instructions, travel for multiple visits, and sit actively for 2 hours. Participants must have hand movement issues but can't join if they have severe eyesight problems, epilepsy history, skin scalp damage, extreme muscle stiffness in the hand, lost hand sensation, substance abuse history, certain mental illnesses or are pregnant.

Inclusion Criteria

Willingness to give written informed consent
I am between 18 and 75 years old.
I have been diagnosed with a brain injury from a stroke or trauma.
See 6 more

Exclusion Criteria

You have a tattoo with metal-based ink on your head or neck.
You are scared of small, enclosed spaces.
You cannot feel or move your hand.
See 12 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Targeted Noninvasive Brain Stimulation (T-NIBS) (Behavioural Intervention)
Trial OverviewThe study tests a combination of targeted noninvasive brain stimulation (HD-tDCS) and music-assisted video game exercises (MusicGlove) to improve hand functions in people with acquired brain injuries. It also examines changes in brain activity related to this intervention using EEG recordings before and after treatment.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Active Control
Placebo Group
Group I: MusicGlove and Active HD-tDCSActive Control2 Interventions
During Active HD-tDCS, current up to 2mA will be delivered transiently for only 30 seconds and it will be turned ON for the remainder of 20 minutes.
Group II: MusicGlove and Sham HD-tDCSPlacebo Group1 Intervention
During Sham HD-tDCS, current up to 2mA will be delivered transiently for only 30 seconds to simulate the real-tDCS based skin sensation.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Kessler FoundationWest Orange, NJ
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Kessler FoundationLead Sponsor

References