RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

TMS-based Assessment of Mental Training Effects on Motor Learning in Healthy Participants

This research explores how simply imagining a movement, known as 'mental training', can help us learn new physical skills. The study aims to understand the fascinating ways our brains learn and adapt. Researchers will use various methods, including gentle brain stimulation techniques and robotic assistance, to observe brain activity and movement accuracy. They'll study how mental training affects different aspects of learning, such as speed and precision, and how the brain changes in response. The project is split into different parts, looking at things like how arm restrictions or robotic disturbances might impact this learning. Ultimately, the hope is to gain a deeper understanding of how our brains manage movement learning, which could pave the way for better ways to help people regain movement after injuries or illnesses.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France

Enrolment target

556

Start

08 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2029

Motor Learning

What is this study about?

This study is all about understanding how our brains learn new movements, especially through something called 'mental training' or 'motor imagery'. Think of it like a golfer imagining their perfect swing before they even pick up a club, or a musician mentally rehearsing a difficult piece. This research wants to explore exactly how this mental practice helps us get better at physical tasks.

To do this, the researchers will look at several things. They'll measure how fast and accurately people can perform tasks after mental training. They'll also use special, gentle techniques that can measure activity in the brain and nerves, helping them see which parts of the brain are involved and how they change during learning. The study is divided into different sections, each looking at a specific aspect. For example, one part will examine how sensory feedback affects learning, while another will see how gentle robotic disturbances during mental practice impact the brain.

Other parts of the study will investigate how the brain's ability to change and adapt (called neuroplasticity) plays a role in mental training. They'll also explore how temporary arm restriction might affect what's been learned. The overall aim is to build a clearer picture of the processes happening in our minds and bodies when we learn new physical skills through imagination. This knowledge could eventually help develop better rehabilitation methods for people who need to relearn movements.

Key takeaways

The study explores how mental practice improves physical skills.
It uses harmless brain measurements and tools to understand brain activity.
The findings could lead to better ways to help people regain movement.
Participation involves various tasks and measurements over different sessions.
It's a foundational research project, not a medical treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult between 18 and 60 years old and be able to understand and sign a consent form. You also need to be registered with a UK social security scheme.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. This includes having a history of mental health conditions, certain neurological problems, or epilepsy (either yourself or in your family). If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications that could affect brain measurements, you won't be able to join. Also, if you have any metal implants like a pacemaker, cochlear implants, or even some types of tattoos or piercings, these could be an issue because the study uses magnetic fields.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Do you have a history of seizures or epilepsy (personally or in your family)?
Do you have any mental health or serious nerve conditions?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you have any metal implants like a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or certain tattoos/piercings?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't be given any medication regularly. The study involves different sessions, where you might be asked to perform various manual tasks, perhaps with a robotic arm assisting or gently disturbing your movement. Researchers will use special equipment, like gentle brain stimulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial direct current stimulation), to measure your brain activity and how your nerves respond. You might also experience mild electrical stimulation to your nerves or cervicomedullar area. These techniques are designed to be safe and are used to understand how your brain and nervous system work during movement and learning. The total duration of your participation will depend on the specific sequence of the study you are in, but each part involves monitoring and specific tasks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this research could help scientists understand more about how our brains learn new movements through mental practice. This knowledge might eventually lead to better ways of helping people recover movement after injuries or conditions. While the methods used, like gentle brain stimulation, are generally considered safe, there's always a small chance of mild side effects such as temporary discomfort, headache, or tingling sensations. The researchers will explain these possibilities fully before you agree to take part. Remember, your participation is voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

INSERM - U1093 Cognition, Action, and Sensorimotor Plasticity
Verified postcode
Dijon, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'mental training' in this study?

It means imagining yourself performing a physical action or movement without actually doing it, like picturing yourself playing a sport or doing a dance move.

Will I receive actual medical treatment in this study?

No, this is a research study to understand basic brain function, not a treatment for any condition.

What are 'brain stimulation techniques'?

These are gentle, non-invasive methods, like TMS or tDCS, that use magnetic fields or mild electrical currents to temporarily activate or quiet parts of the brain in a safe way, allowing researchers to measure brain activity.

Will I feel anything from the robotic arm?

The robotic arm might provide slight resistance or guidance, or gently disturb your movements, depending on what the study needs to measure.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any point without needing to give a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Florent Lebon, PhD

florent.lebon@u-bourgogne.fr +33 3 80 39 67 49 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.