Modulation of Brain Rhythms in Stroke

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHAPEL HILL · Aug 6, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This research study is looking at how the brain and muscles work together in people who have had a stroke, especially focusing on improving hand strength and control. The study will test whether a gentle, non-invasive type of brain stimulation—kind of like a mild electrical signal—applied to different parts of the brain can help improve communication between the brain and muscles during a hand-squeezing task.

To take part, individuals must have had one stroke at least six months ago that affected one side of their body, causing weakness in their hand or arm. Participants also need to have good thinking skills, be able to understand and follow instructions in English, and be able to make a fist with their weaker hand. The study involves one visit lasting about three hours. During this time, participants will wear a special cap that measures brain activity and small stickers on their arm to measure muscle activity. They will complete several rounds of hand squeezing, sometimes receiving brain stimulation just before squeezing. The study will also include some simple tests to check mood, movement ability, and thinking skills. This is an early-stage study and is not yet recruiting participants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • One and only one 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 ≥ 26 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 \< 26 points)
• • Concurrent physical/occupational therapy and/or clinical trial participation
• • 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