Bimanual Motor Skill Learning in Acute Stroke

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF MONT-GODINNE · Mar 6, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how the brain learns to control movements after a stroke, particularly focusing on the use of both hands together (called bimanual motor skill learning). Researchers want to understand if stroke affects this type of learning differently than using just one hand. By studying patients who have had a stroke and comparing them with healthy individuals, the trial aims to pinpoint which areas of the brain are important for learning these skills and whether damage to specific brain pathways makes it harder for stroke patients to learn to use both hands effectively.

To participate in this trial, stroke patients must be 18 to 90 years old and have had a stroke within the last 21 days, confirmed by brain scans. Healthy individuals in the same age range can also join, but they must not have a history of stroke or significant neurological issues. Participants can expect to engage in tasks that involve using both hands, and their performance will help researchers learn more about recovery after a stroke. It's important to note that those with certain medical conditions or severe difficulties with communication may not be able to take part in the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• ACUTE STROKE PATIENTS:
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • acute stroke (\< 21 days)
• • aged 18-90 years
• • with a demonstrated stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) lesion on brain imaging
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • " classical " contre-indication to MRI (non-MR-compatible pacemaker, pregnancy, non-MR-compatible implanted devices, claustrophobia, etc ...)
• • difficulty in understanding or executing commands
• • drug/alcohol abuse
• • severe aphasia / cognitive deficits interfering with study
• • inability to complete the tasks (i.e. full paralysis of the arm)
• • multiple strokes / dementia / psychiatric condition
• HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS:
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • • 18-90 years
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • medical history with a previous stroke / relevant neurological deficit
• • drug/alcohol abuse
• • psychiatric condition/ dementia