The Beneficial Effects of Naps on Motor Learning

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE (NINDS) · Mar 17, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how taking naps during the day can help people learn and remember new motor skills, particularly for those who have had a stroke. Researchers believe that rest, including sleep and naps, may play a crucial role in solidifying the skills people learn. The goal is to understand how memory works when we are awake compared to when we are asleep.

To participate in the study, you should be between 18 and 80 years old, speak English, and either be a healthy adult or someone who has had a stroke at least six months ago affecting the use of your arm. Participants will undergo a few assessments, including a brain scan and tests to measure their ability to learn a typing task. The study involves up to four visits over three months, each lasting 2 to 4 hours. If you join, you will help researchers learn more about the connection between napping and motor skill learning, which could lead to better recovery strategies for stroke patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS:
• INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Age 18-35 (Arm 1) or 50-80 (Arms 2).
• • English speaking.
• • Clear right-hand dominance (\>74 on Edinburgh Handedness Inventory).
• • Normal neurological examination as determined by the screening clinician.
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • HCPS affiliated NIH staff (i.e. - staff from our section).
• • Current pregnancy.
• • Contraindications for MRI or MEG.
• • Use of sleep medications within 24 hours of Experimental Session participation.
• • Severe or progressive neurological, psychological or medical condition as determined by the screening clinician.
• STROKE PATIENTS:
• INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Age 18 or older
• • Willing and able to provide consent
• • Experienced a stroke 6 months ago or more that affected at least one of the upper extremities at time of stroke diagnosis
• • Ability to perform the study task as assessed during physical examination
• • English-speaking
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • HCPS-affiliated NIH staff (i.e. - staff from our section).
• • Current pregnancy
• • History of large stroke lesions in brainstem or cerebellum as determined by screening clinician
• • Severe or progressive neurological disorder other than stroke (e.g., Parkinson s disease or multiple sclerosis) as determined by the screening clinician
• • Uncontrolled heart, lung, kidney, gastrointestinal, metabolic, psychiatric, sleep, or endocrine disorders as determined by the screening clinician
• • Contraindications for MRI or MEG.