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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01134978

Neural Mechanisms of the Contextual Interference Effect: A fNIRs and EEG Study

The overall goal of this study is to gain insight into the neural mechanisms of learning multiple tasks. By examination of cognitive and behavioral output during the performance and learning of several computer maze tasks, and through a detailed examination of the neural activity obtained from functional near-infrared (fNIR) and electroencephalography (EEG), it may be possible to gain insight into the impact of the amount of practice and the organization of practice has on learning fine motor skills. This insight may provide direction as to how to better develop instructional and rehabilitation protocols in addition to clinical interventions to facilitate recovery of function, relearning and transfer of cognitive and fine motor skills based upon neural responses to physical practice.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Individuals Learning

Age range

18 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 1

Primary location

Cognitive Motor Movement Neuroscience Lab (CoMMoNS) - rm 3612 NCB, Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19102, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • 18 to 55 years of age
  • vision correctable to 20/20
  • right-handed
  • English is first language or learned English before age of 5 years

Exclusion criteria

  • 17 years or younger and 56 years or older
  • pregnant
  • have latex or tape adhesives allergies
  • self-exclude if:
  • had a history of seizures, head injury or neurological dysfunction
  • history or diagnosis of depression, schizophrenia or social phobia
  • previous admission to alcohol/drug treatment program or diagnosis of alcohol/drug abuse
  • take medications know to affect neurological function.

Treatment and study plan

Practice Order

Behavioral

Blocked order - predictable

Random order - unpredictable

Other names: High contextual interference - random practice schedule, Low contextual interference - blocked practice schedule

Primary outcomes

  1. metabolic measures of neural activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex

    Time frame: outcomes measured 72 - 96 hours post-training

    Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIR) uses specific wavelets of light, that are introduced at the scalp to measure changes in the relative ratios of deoxygenated hemoglobin and oxygenated hemoglobin in the capillary beds during brain activity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Behavioral measures

    Time frame: measured 72-96 hours post training

    maze behavioral responses of time to traverse the maze (sec), distance traveled (pixels)and average maze velocity (pixels/sec) are calculated.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Drexel University

Other

Collaborators

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health

Registry information

Acronym: GRID12007

Important dates

Study start
2007
Primary completion
2010
Study completion
2011
First posted
Jun 2, 2010
Registry last updated
Nov 7, 2011

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

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

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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