Understanding Motor Function in Stroke Patients and Their Functional Brain Reorganization Using Ultra High-field MRI
The MOTIF-STROKE study, part of the wider BrainSync project, aims to improve arm rehabilitation for people who have had a stroke. We will use special MRI scans (3T and 7T MRI) to look at the brains of 100 stroke patients and some healthy volunteers. We want to understand how stroke affects brain connections and how the brain tries to fix itself. This will help us create a detailed brain map that links brain changes to problems with arm movement. The information gained will be crucial for developing new ways to help people regain movement, including a future brain-controlled arm device. Data collection is expected to start in late 2025.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is called MOTIF-STROKE, and it's a key part of a larger research effort called BrainSync. Our main goal is to find new and better ways to help people recover movement in their arms after a stroke. We know that a stroke can damage parts of the brain, affecting how the brain communicates with the rest of the body, especially the limbs. By using very advanced MRI scanners, we can get incredibly detailed pictures of the brain's structure and how it functions. This will help us understand exactly where the damage is and how the brain tries to rewire itself to cope.
We plan to study 100 people who have had a stroke and still have some arm weakness, along with some healthy volunteers. By comparing these groups, we can create a detailed 'atlas' or map of the brain that shows how different areas are connected and how these connections might be disrupted after a stroke. We'll also look at how these brain changes relate to a person's ability to move their arm. This information is vital because it will help us predict which patients might benefit most from certain rehabilitation methods and how to make new treatments, like a brain-controlled arm device (called WIMAGINE), work as effectively as possible.
Ultimately, the results of this study will help scientists and doctors around the world better understand how the brain recovers from stroke. This understanding will pave the way for more targeted and personalised treatments, giving stroke survivors a better chance of regaining arm function and improving their daily lives.
Key takeaways
- Aims to improve arm recovery for stroke patients.
- Uses advanced MRI scans to understand brain changes after stroke.
- Will create a detailed 'brain map' of stroke effects.
- Results could help develop new brain-controlled arm devices.
- Participation involves MRI scans and movement assessments.
- Study starts data collection in late 2025.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study as a stroke patient, you must have been diagnosed with your first stroke related to a blockage in the brain (not a bleed) at least six months ago, and you must still have some weakness in your arm. You should not have significant memory or thinking problems, and your age must be between 18 and 70. You'll also need to be approved by the study committee and agree to take part after fully understanding the study details.
Healthy volunteers can join if they are between 18 and 70 years old and have no history of brain or mental health conditions. Like all participants, you'll need to understand and agree to the study details. Before you can join, everyone will be checked to make sure they can safely have an MRI scan. This means if you have certain metal implants, like a pacemaker, or are pregnant, you won't be able to participate due to safety reasons.
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.
- Have you had your first stroke more than 6 months ago?
- Do you still have some weakness in your arm?
- Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
- Do you have any metal in your body (like a pacemaker or certain implants) that might make an MRI unsafe?
- Are you able to understand and follow instructions for the study?
- Have you had a brain surgery or skull procedure in the past?
What does participation involve?
If you take part in this study, you will have several appointments at the research centre. These will involve advanced MRI scans of your brain using different techniques to look at its structure and activity. You will also perform some simple tasks during the MRI to see how your brain responds. There will be assessments of your arm movement and brain function. We expect the data collection part of the study to begin in late 2025. The exact number of visits and their total duration will be fully explained to you before you agree to take part, but each scan session can take some time. There are no medications involved in this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- NeuroSpin, CEAVerified postcodeGif-sur-Yvette, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an MRI scan?
An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including your brain, without using X-rays.
Will I receive any treatment during the study?
No, this study is observational, meaning we are looking at your brain using scans. It does not involve any active treatments or medications.
What does 'upper-limb motor deficit' mean?
This refers to weakness or difficulty moving your arm or hand after a stroke.
How long will the study take?
The information provided suggests data collection starts in late 2025. The full duration of your participation, including the number of visits and scan times, will be explained before you consent.
Will I get to see my scan results?
The scans are for research purposes, but if anything clinically significant is found, you and your doctor would be informed.
How to find out more
Wissam ZAMOUN, ARC
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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