Cortical Excitability and Typing Performance After Action Observation and Motor Execution

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH · May 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different ways of practicing typing—actually doing it (called motor execution) or watching someone else do it (called action observation)—affect brain activity and typing performance in healthy young adults. The researchers will recruit 60 university students aged 18 to 26 who are in good health and have basic typing skills. They will be divided into three groups: one group will type for three minutes, another will watch a video of someone typing, and the third group will not participate in any activity.

Participants will undergo two assessments using a method called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to measure brain function and will also take an online typing test to check their speed and accuracy. This study will help researchers understand how different types of practice might improve typing skills and brain activity. To be eligible, participants need to type at least 16 words per minute and must not have any neurological conditions, be on specific medications, or have certain medical implants. Overall, this trial aims to explore new ways to enhance typing performance through targeted brain stimulation techniques.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age between 18 and 26 years
• • Healthy university students with no known neurological, psychiatric, or musculoskeletal conditions
• • Intact motor functioning of the upper limbs
• • Basic typing proficiency using a 10-finger typing method
• • Ability to understand study procedures and provide informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Typing speed less than 16 words per minute
• • Use of hunt-and-peck or single-finger typing style
• • History of seizures or epilepsy
• • Current use of neuroactive medications
• • Presence of metallic implants in the head or upper body
• • Any contraindications to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
• • Left-handed individuals using non-standard typing techniques (unless provided with adapted materials)