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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06262425

rTMS Over S1 Enhance Motor Learning in Healthy People

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of different repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation protocols for enhancing motor learning in healthy peolple.

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Key information

Conditions

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Motor Learning

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Neuron

Madrid, 28045, Spain

About this study

This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of different repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) protocols in enhancing motor learning in healthy individuals. It focuses on two key brain areas: the primary motor cortex (M1) and the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), recognized for their roles in motor skill acquisition and execution.

Motor learning involves two distinct neural networks: the associative/premotor and sensorimotor networks. Studies suggest that the associative/premotor network predominates initially, followed by the sensorimotor network. M1 stores movement patterns, whereas S1 appears crucial for initial motor learning and movement adaptation.

rTMS, a non-invasive technique modulating neuronal excitability, has been used to improve motor function in patients with brain injuries. However, its effectiveness in healthy individuals has been variable, especially when stimulating M1 and S1. Prior research suggests that inhibitory rTMS in S1 may influence motor learning, but findings regarding its excitatory effect and comparison with M1 stimulation are mixed.

The primary hypothesis posits that excitatory rTMS in S1 will yield superior motor learning improvements compared to M1 stimulation in healthy individuals. The secondary hypothesis predicts improvements independent of the stimulated area.

The study will involve healthy participants, utilizing tests for accuracy and time. Methodology includes randomization, blind evaluation, and rTMS application based on assigned groups.

With a sample size of 35 subjects per group, data will be analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests to compare the effects of rTMS on M1 and S1 concerning motor learning in healthy subjects. Results will be considered significant with p < 0.05, and effect size will be evaluated.

This trial aims to provide clarity on the effectiveness of excitatory rTMS in specific brain areas to enhance motor learning in individuals without neurological pathologies, potentially impacting rehabilitation and motor performance.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Older than 18 years old and younger than 65

Exclusion criteria

  • Presenting any neurological pathology
  • Pain during the study
  • Any contraindications to rTMS, such as metal implants, history of epileptic seizures or taking medication that lowers the seizure threshold

Treatment and study plan

repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortex

Device

It will be applyed a magnetic field over the Somatosensory cortex of the patient that pretends to hiperexcite the membrans of the neurons inthis area to enhance motor learning

repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary motor cortex

Device

It will be applyed a magnetic field over the primary motor cortex of the patient that pretends to hiperexcite the membrans of the neurons inthis area to enhance motor learning

Sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Device

It will be applied a sham stimulation with the same protocol that pretends to create the illusion of being stimulated

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in accuracy

    Time frame: Change from Baseline to 5 days and 10 days in accuracy

    Accuracy in associating one letter of the keyboard with a letter from the Phoenician alphabet presented in the screen. It will be measured by using the software PsychoPy, that has been used in other studies for measuring motor learning in an indirect way.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in reaction time speed

    Time frame: Change from Baseline to 5 days and 10 days in reaction time speed

    Reaction time for responding correctly the association between one letter of the keyboard and a letter from the Phoenician alphabet presented in the screen. It will be measured by using the software PsychoPy, that has been used in other studies for measuring motor learning in an indirect way.

  2. Change in pegs placed in 30 seconds

    Time frame: Change from Baseline to 5 days and 10 days in days placed in 30 seconds

    Number of pegs placed in a pegboard in 30 seconds will be measured. Patients will use just right hand first, after they will use just their left hand and finally with both hand at same time. This procedure will be repeated and average pegs placed in each condition will be noted. Purdue Pegboard Test will be used for measuring.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Neuron, Spain

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of Different Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocols for Motor Learning in Healthy People. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 16, 2024
Registry last updated
Sep 2, 2025

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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