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Modulation of Brain Rhythms in Stroke
Modulation of Beta Oscillatory Rhythms in Stroke to Promote Corticomuscular Circuit Function
Who can join
Ages 45 to 80 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Chronic (≥ 6 months) unilateral cortical/subcortical ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke as confirmed by medical records * Upper extremity weakness (hemiparesis) contralateral to the stroke * Sufficient cognitive capacity (Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≥ 21 points), communication function, and English proficiency to understand and safely comply with all study procedures * Ipsilesional motor-evoked potential response * Able to perform isometric grip task by making a fist with their stroke-affected hand (hand contralateral to the stroke) Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to TMS (seizure activity within past 2 years, pregnancy, indwelling metal) * Cognitive deficits (Montreal Cognitive Assessment \< 21 points) * Concurrent physical/occupational therapy and/or clinical trial participation related to stroke * Injury or conditions that impact affected extremity-use beyond stroke (e.g., arthritis) * Impaired vision despite use of aid (e.g. glasses, contacts, etc.) * Cerebellar stroke * Major medical/neurological/psychiatric condition impacting physical function in the opinion of the physician co-investigator * Absent ipsilesional motor-evoked potential response
About the study
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.
What is being tested
- Motor Brain Stimulation (other)
- Visual Brain Stimulation (other)
Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Participants: 20 · Started: Dec 1, 2025
Contact the study team
- Jessica M Cassidy, DPT, PT, PhD · Phone: 919-966-8404
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07121582
Locations in the U.S.
| North Carolina | Bondurant Hall, Chapel Hill |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 29, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.