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NCT Number: NCT05073471

Music and Brain Stimulation for Upper Extremity Performance in Patients With Corticobasal Syndrome

This study is designed to investigate how musical patterns (e.g., patterned sensory enhancement, PSE) and non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS) are effective to improve functional upper extremity performances in patients with corticobasal syndrome (CBS).

20 individuals with CBS will be randomly assigned to either PSE group (n= 10) or PSE+tDCS (n=10) group. Both interventions are 30 minutes long, twice a week for three weeks (a total of 6 sessions). Participants' self-reported and measurable outcomes including upper extremity function, kinematic quantities, quality of life, mood, cognitive level, and brain activity (e.g. electroencephalography, EEG) will be assessed in the baseline, pre- and post- each session, and follow-up phase.

This study seeks to assess the possibility that music-based intervention and non-invasive brain stimulation may improve outcomes in CBS patients for patients' non-invasive but cost-effective rehabilitation settings in the future.

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Key information

Conditions

Corticobasal Syndrome Corticobasal Degeneration Nervous System Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Tauopathies Upper Extremity Dysfunction

Age range

18 year–89 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States

About this study

Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a form of atypical Parkinsonian disorder that shares several features with Parkinson's disease (e.g., rigidity, tremor, and difficulties in balance and coordination). However, CBS additionally includes other motor and highly cortical features such as dyspraxia, dystonia, myoclonus, aphasia, sensory loss, and alien limb. Other features including abnormal eye movements, difficulties in objects recognition, and speech changes can also be revealed. The symptoms of CBS often appear in an asymmetric pattern that only shows on one side of the body. Imaging research has found that CBS is associated with brain atrophy in dorsal neocortical regions and basal ganglia. In particular, widespread frontoparietal cortex atrophy is exhibited in CBS. The frontoparietal network is known to orchestrate accurate, rapid, and goal-directed motor behaviors which are crucial performances in the daily life of humans.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is non-invasive neuromodulation that uses direct electrical currents to stimulate specific brain regions. This painless stimulation has been largely developed as a promising tool for depression, stroke, Parkinson's disease as well as other neuropsychological disorders. Specifically, tDCS over the frontoparietal area has enhanced processing speed and consolidation as well as upper extremity performances.

While tDCS has been applied to modulate a variety of cognitive and motor abilities, studies using tDCS in CBS patients are limited. To the best of the investigators' knowledge, two studies have been investigated on how tDCS modulation over the parietal cortex enhances the performance of an ideomotor apraxia test as well as action observation and representation in CBS. These studies provided potentials of using tDCS as a promising tool for linguistic and sensorimotor deficits in patients with CBS. Intriguingly, previous studies have suggested that tDCS combined with rehabilitative training can enhance motor outcomes. Furthermore, there is a need to better understand the mechanisms and effects of tDCS in real time in order to cater treatment protocols in a patient-specific manner. For this purpose, electroencephalography (EEG) has been proposed. EEG which measures brainwaves in milliseconds will be able to measure neurophysiological responses during tDCS modulation as well as rehabilitation intervention, such as music therapy.

Music has been extensively developed as a therapeutic medium to enhance and/or maintain functional skills based on scientific evidence in neurorehabilitation settings. In particular, the use of musical cueing to facilitate motor and cognitive performance has been widely studied. Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) is one of the Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) interventions to facilitate functional movement patterns and sequences by using tempo, meter, and rhythmic patterns. PSE translates movement patterns into musical patterns to provide spatial, temporal, and force cues. PSE has been employed to improve the functional motor abilities of individuals with stroke, cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease.

Despite the importance of developing non-invasive but cost-effective interventions for CBS, neuro-rehabilitative effects associated with tDCS/EEG and PSE in this population have been less investigated. Therefore, the present study will investigate the effectiveness of PSE and PSE +tDCS on upper extremity performances in individuals with CBS, and EEG will be used to measure neurophysiological responses during sessions. Non-invasive and patient-oriented interventions may have a broad impact on CBS by improving the quality of functional upper extremity performance.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients with CBS
  • Age range 18-89
  • Right-handed

Exclusion criteria

  • A history of migraines
  • Have a scalp or skin condition (e.g., psoriasis or eczema)
  • Have any metallic implants, including intracranial electrodes, surgical clips, shrapnel or a pacemaker
  • Have had a head injury resulting in a loss of consciousness that has required further investigation
  • Have diagnosed psychological or neurological disorders
  • Have had a seizure
  • Have had adverse effects to previous tDCS or other brain stimulation techniques (e.g., TMS)
  • Pregnancy
  • Inability or unwillingness to follow directions for study procedures

Treatment and study plan

Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE)

Behavioral

Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) is one of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques. NMT is a research-guided clinical model that is driven by advances in neuroscience and the understanding of the perception, production, and performance of music and how music can influence and change non-musical brain and behavior function.

PSE is a technique that uses the rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and dynamic-acoustical elements of music to provide temporal, spatial, and. force cues for movements which reflect functional movements of activities of daily.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

Device

We will apply five small electrodes to participant's head. Once the electrodes are in place, a small electrical current will be passed between the electrodes. Participants will also get "sham" tDCS, which means they will not receive any real stimulation from the electrodes. Most individuals do not find the procedure uncomfortable, and there are no known long-term risks of tDCS. When the current goes through the electrodes, you may feel an itching or tingling sensation under the electrodes or see brief flashes of light, or you may not feel anything at all. If the sensation is unpleasant, participant can report to co-investigator immediately. If participant finds the procedures too uncomfortable, they may stop it at any time. A trained staff member will be present throughout the procedure.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in functional upper extremity performance score as assessed by the WMFT

    Time frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52

    Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) is a quantitative index of upper extremity motor ability examinable through the use of timed and functional tasks. The maximum score is 72, and lower scores are indicative of lower functioning levels.

  2. Change in TOLA score (limb)

    Time frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52

    Test of Oral and Limb Apraxia (TOLA) is designed to identify, measure, and evaluate the presence of oral and limb apraxia in individuals with developmental or acquired neurologic disorders. Each of the TOLA subtests produces several part scores. All subtests are scored by summing the scores on individual items that compose the subtest. Scores all responses in all subtests using 4 point (3,2,1,0) scoring system: 3 = normal; 2 = adequate; 1 = partially adequate; 0 = inadequate.

    • Limb Total (Items: 40; Max score: 120)

  3. Change in TOLA score (oral)

    Time frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52

    Test of Oral and Limb Apraxia (TOLA) is designed to identify, measure, and evaluate the presence of oral and limb apraxia in individuals with developmental or acquired neurologic disorders. Each of the TOLA subtests produces several part scores. All subtests are scored by summing the scores on individual items that compose the subtest. Scores all responses in all subtests using 4 point (3,2,1,0) scoring system: 3 = normal; 2 = adequate; 1 = partially adequate; 0 = inadequate.

    • Oral Total (Items: 20; Max score: 60)

  4. Change in TOLA score (pictures)

    Time frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52

    Test of Oral and Limb Apraxia (TOLA) is designed to identify, measure, and evaluate the presence of oral and limb apraxia in individuals with developmental or acquired neurologic disorders. Each of the TOLA subtests produces several part scores. All subtests are scored by summing the scores on individual items that compose the subtest. Scores all responses in all subtests using 4 point (3,2,1,0) scoring system: 3 = normal; 2 = adequate; 1 = partially adequate; 0 = inadequate.

    • Pictures Total (Items: 15; Max score: 45)

  5. Change in TOLA score (command)

    Time frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52

    Test of Oral and Limb Apraxia (TOLA) is designed to identify, measure, and evaluate the presence of oral and limb apraxia in individuals with developmental or acquired neurologic disorders. Each of the TOLA subtests produces several part scores. All subtests are scored by summing the scores on individual items that compose the subtest. Scores all responses in all subtests using 4 point (3,2,1,0) scoring system: 3 = normal; 2 = adequate; 1 = partially adequate; 0 = inadequate.

    • Command Total (Items: 30; Max score: 90)

  6. Change in TOLA score (imitation)

    Time frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52

    Test of Oral and Limb Apraxia (TOLA) is designed to identify, measure, and evaluate the presence of oral and limb apraxia in individuals with developmental or acquired neurologic disorders. Each of the TOLA subtests produces several part scores. All subtests are scored by summing the scores on individual items that compose the subtest. Scores all responses in all subtests using 4 point (3,2,1,0) scoring system: 3 = normal; 2 = adequate; 1 = partially adequate; 0 = inadequate.

    • Imitation Total (Items: 30; Max score: 90)

  7. Changes in number of pegs placed in 30 seconds

    Time frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

    Purdue Pegboard Test (PPBT) involves timed assembly of small items and assesses fine manual dexterity. The total number of pins the subject is scored, and higher scores are indicative of higher fine dexterity level.

  8. Change in number of blocks transferred from one compartment to the other compartment in 60 seconds

    Time frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

    Box and Block Test (BBT) involves timed transfer of 2.5cm 3 blocks from one container to another and assesses the gross manual dexterity. The total number of blocks transferred from one to the other compartment is scored, and higher scores are indicative of a higher gross dexterity level.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Changes in score on cognitive impairment level as assessed by the MoCA

    Time frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 24, and Day 52

    Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a rapid cognitive screening test that assesses cognitive performance in multiple domains including visuo-spatial and executive functions, naming, memory, attention, language, abstraction, and orientation. Scores on the MoCA range from 0 to 30:

    • > 26 = normal
    • 18-25 = mild cognitive impairment
    • 10-17 = moderate cognitive impairment
    • <10 = severe cognitive impairment.

  2. Change in score on anxiety level as assessed by the STAI

    Time frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

    State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measures two types of anxiety - state anxiety, or anxiety about an event, and trait anxiety, or anxiety level as a personal characteristic. The range of possible scores for the STAI varies from a minimum score of 20 to a maximum score of 80. STAI scores are commonly classified as "no or low anxiety" (20-37), "moderate anxiety" (38-44), and "high anxiety" (45-80).

  3. Change in score on valence as assessed by the SAM

    Time frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

    Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) is a non-verbal pictorial assessment technique that directly measures the pleasure, arousal, and dominance associated with a person's affective reaction to a wide variety of stimuli.

    It uses a series of graphic abstract characters horizontally arranged according to a 5 - points scale.

    • Valence rating: 1=unpleasant; 2=unsatisfied; 3=neutral; 4 = pleased; 5=pleasant

  4. Change in score on arousal as assessed by the SAM

    Time frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

    Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) is a non-verbal pictorial assessment technique that directly measures the pleasure, arousal, and dominance associated with a person's affective reaction to a wide variety of stimuli.

    It uses a series of graphic abstract characters horizontally arranged according to a 5 - points scale.

    • Arousal rating: 1=calm (sleepy); 2=dull; 3=neutral; 4=wide-awake; 5=excited (energetic)

  5. Change in score on dominance level as assessed by the SAM

    Time frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

    Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) is a non-verbal pictorial assessment technique that directly measures the pleasure, arousal, and dominance associated with a person's affective reaction to a wide variety of stimuli.

    It uses a series of graphic abstract characters horizontally arranged according to a 5 - points scale.

    • Dominance rating: 1=independent; 2=powerful; 3=neutral; 4=powerlessness; 5=dependent

  6. Change in score on depression level as assessed by the BDI-II

    Time frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

    Beck-Depression inventory (BDI-II) measures characteristic attitudes and symptoms of depression. Each of the 21 items corresponding to a symptom of depression is summed to give a single score for the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).

    There is a four-point scale for each item ranging from 0 to 3. On two items (16 and 18) there are seven options to indicate either an increase or decrease of appetite and sleep. Total score of 0-13 is considered minimal range, 14-19 is mild, 20-28 is moderate, and 29-63 is severe.

  7. Change in score on quality of life level as assessed by the CBFS

    Time frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 24, and Day 52

    Corticobasal Syndrome Functional Scale (CBFS) is a novel rating scale that evaluates experiences in daily living (EDL), behavioral, language, and cognitive impairments in patients with 4 repeat tauopathies. The CBFS consists of 14 questions on Motor EDL's and 17 questions on Non-Motor EDL's, each of which are rated on a Likert 5 point scale rating function from 0 to 4, where 0 = Normal or No problems and 4 = Severe problems.

    Higher scores are indicative of severe problems.

Other outcomes

  1. Change in power spectrum density of brainwave spectrum (micro-volts-squared per Hz)

    Time frame: Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24

    Electroencephalography (EEG) can measure the neurophysiological responses. Analysis of resting EEG prior and after, and during the PSE and/or PSE+tDCS intervention might yield neurophysiological correlates for the observed behavior outcomes. In addition, simultaneous EEG measurements with tDCS will provide a better understanding of the effects of tDCS and PSE in real-time and may help tailor treatment protocols in a patient-specific manner in the future.

    Power spectrum density will show the strength of the variations (energy) as a function of frequency. In other words, it shows at which frequencies variations are strong and at which frequencies variations are weak.

  2. Change in range of motion (degree) of upper extremity performance

    Time frame: Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24

    Motion capture analysis: A small (dime-sized) marker will be placed bilaterally (on both sides) on the participant's finger, hands, arms, shoulder, and trunk. Motion capture analysis will provide a degree of range of motion at shoulder, elbow, and wrist during assessments and intervention phases.

  3. Change in speed (m/s) of upper extremity performance

    Time frame: Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24

    Motion capture analysis: A small (dime-sized) marker will be placed bilaterally (on both sides) on the participant's finger, hands, arms, shoulder, and trunk. Motion capture analysis will provide changes in speed/velocity of upper extremity performance during assessments and intervention phases.

  4. Change in acceleration (m/s^2) of upper extremity performance

    Time frame: Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24

    Motion capture analysis: A small (dime-sized) marker will be placed bilaterally (on both sides) on the participant's finger, hands, arms, shoulder, and trunk. Motion capture analysis will provide changes in acceleration of upper extremity performance during assessments and intervention phases.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Johns Hopkins University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Upper Extremity Performances in Patients With Corticobasal Syndrome

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Oct 11, 2021
Registry last updated
Jun 8, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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