Modulation of Beta Oscillatory Rhythms in Stroke to Promote Corticomuscular Circuit Function
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Summary
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.
Description
The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate and modulate corticomuscular coherence (CMC) by using beta-burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The central hypothesis is that the enhancement of neural oscillatory rhythms in the beta frequency range (13-30 Hz), which supports corticomuscular circuit function, will strengthen CMC measurement. Prior research has indicated that CMC, a surrogate measure of functional connectivity between the brain and peripheral muscles, has clinical relevance as a potential biomarker for motor recovery following stroke. In this cross-over s…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 45–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
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: * Contraindication…
Interventions
- OtherMotor Brain Stimulation
For each grip trial (20 grip trials per block), participants will receive visual cues that signify the onset and offset of squeezing. Just prior to the start of the visual cue representing the onset of squeezing, participants will receive a burst of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to their primary motor hotspot region. Motor brain stimulation will involve 3 bursts of 5 pulses/burst with a 20 Hz inter-pulse interval delivered at 90% of their resting or active motor threshold.
- OtherVisual Brain Stimulation
For each grip trial (20 grip trials per block), participants will receive visual cues that signify the onset and offset of squeezing. Just prior to the start of the visual cue representing the onset of squeezing, participants will receive a burst of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to their ipsilesional occipital cortex region. Visual brain stimulation will involve 3 burst of 5 pulses/burst with a 20 Hz inter-pulse interval delivered at 90% of their resting or active motor threshold.
Location
- Bondurant HallChapel Hill, North Carolina