StrokeNCT04312126
The Beneficial Effects of Naps on Motor Learning
An observational study of Stroke, run by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Background: Memory consolidation is the process by which memories become stable, long-term representations in the brain. Consolidation of a motor skill is dependent upon sleep. Some research shows that daytime naps improve people s motor performance and memory retention. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 80 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke
- What is being tested?
- MRI system and MEG system
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- How many people
- 199 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 4 Mar 2021to 30 Mar 2030
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Right-handed adults between the ages of 18 and 80.
Who may be able to join
- Age 18-35 (Arm 1) or 50-80 (Arms 2).
- English speaking.
- Clear right-hand dominance (>74 on Edinburgh Handedness Inventory).
- Normal neurological examination as determined by the screening clinician.
- Age 18 or older
- Willing and able to provide consent
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- Experienced a stroke 6 months ago or more that affected at least one of the upper extremities at time of stroke diagnosis
- Ability to perform the study task as assessed during physical examination
- English-speaking
Who cannot join
- HCPS affiliated NIH staff (i.e. - staff from our section).
- Current pregnancy.
- Contraindications for MRI or MEG.
- Use of sleep medications within 24 hours of Experimental Session participation.
- Severe or progressive neurological, psychological or medical condition as determined by the screening clinician.
- STROKE PATIENTS:
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- HCPS-affiliated NIH staff (i.e. - staff from our section).
- Current pregnancy
- History of large stroke lesions in brainstem or cerebellum as determined by screening clinician
- Severe or progressive neurological disorder other than stroke (e.g., Parkinson s disease or multiple sclerosis) as determined by the screening clinician
- Uncontrolled heart, lung, kidney, gastrointestinal, metabolic, psychiatric, sleep, or endocrine disorders as determined by the screening clinician
- Contraindications for MRI or MEG.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
For more information at the NIH Clinical Center contact Office of Patient Recruitment (OPR), 800-411-1222 ext. TTY8664111010, prpl@cc.nih.gov
About this study
Official title: Mechanisms Underlying the Beneficial Effects of Naps on Motor Learning
Background:
Memory consolidation is the process by which memories become stable, long-term representations in the brain. Consolidation of a motor skill is dependent upon sleep. Some research shows that daytime naps improve people s motor performance and memory retention. Researchers want to find out how daytime naps may contribute to learning and support consolidation of motor skill memories.
Read more
Objective:
To learn the role of memory replay during wakeful rest and sleep (naps) in retaining a newly learned skill.
Eligibility:
English-speaking adults ages 18 and older with chronic stroke, or healthy, right-handed, English-speaking adults ages 18-35 and 50-80
Design:
Participants will be screened with:
- medical history
- neurological history
- medicine review
- medical exam
- neurological exam.
Participants will have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain. For this, they will lie down in a scanner. The scanner makes loud noises, so they will wear earplugs. They will fill out an MRI screening form before each MRI.
Participants will also have magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG maps brain activity. It does this by recording the magnetic fields produced by naturally occurring electrical currents in the brain. For MEG, participants will lie down in the MEG room. Their eye movements may be recorded by a video camera.
Participants will have behavior testing. They will practice typing random keys. Then they will repeatedly type a custom sequence that they see on a computer screen. Then they will take a 2-hour nap. Then they will type the same sequence again.
Participants will have no more than 4 visits at the NIH over 3 months. Visits will last 2-4 hours each.
Read the detailed description
Study Description:
We will investigate the within-individual contribution of wakeful and sleep neural replay to motor skill consolidation in three groups: (a) young healthy subjects, (b) older healthy subjects and (c) patients with chronic stroke.
Objectives:
The primary aim is to determine the relative contribution of neural replay during wakeful rest and sleep to consolidation of a newly learned skill in young and older healthy volunteers, and in chronic stroke patients with magnetoencephalography (MEG). The secondary aim is to evaluate differences in replay rates between these subject cohorts. We will also explore differences in replay rates, spatiotemporal dynamics of neural replay and sleep spindles to generate additional hypotheses and preliminary data for future studies.
Endpoints:
The primary endpoint measure is motor skill consolidation (i.e., offline change in correct sequence typing speed following a nap). The secondary endpoint measure is neural replay rate. Exploratory endpoints measures are spatial (i.e. - parcellated source space) and time-frequency maps of neural replay during wakeful rest and sleep, and changes in button-press finger movement kinematics during learning.
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Being tested
- MRI system, MEG system
- Keywords
- Motor Skill, Sleep, Neural Replay, Natural History
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
MRI systemDevice
MRI system - GE Discovery MR750 3T
MEG systemDevice
MEG system The CTF MEG 275 Magnetoencephalography (MEG) scanner system
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1 | 46 healthy young (18-35) volunteers | |
| Arm 2 | 46 healthy older (50-80) volunteers | |
| Arm 3 | 46 chronic (>6 months post-stroke) stroke patients Receives: Device: MRI system; Device: MEG system |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The primary endpoint measure is the degree to which motor skill consolidation (i.e., offline change in correct sequence typing speed) is predicted by replay rates during wakeful rest and sleep, and spindle rates during sleep (i.e. multiple r...
The primary endpoint measure is the degree to which motor skill consolidation (i.e., offline change in correct sequence typing speed) is predicted by replay rates during wakeful rest and sleep, and spindle rates during sleep (i.e. multiple regression model with 3 predictors).
Measured: 4 years
Secondary outcomes (1)
Exploratory endpoints measures are spatial (i.e. - parcellated source space) and time-frequency maps of neural replay during wakeful rest and sleep.
Exploratory endpoints measures are spatial (i.e. - parcellated source space) and time-frequency maps of neural replay during wakeful rest and sleep.
Measured: 4 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Mar 2020
- Study start4 Mar 2021
- Primary completion30 Mar 2030 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Mar 2030 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)The sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 199 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- US National Institutes of Health
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Leonardo G Cohen, M.D., Principal investigator, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04312126
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 200060
- Other IDs
- 20-N-0060
- Status last verified
- 18 Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Mar 2020
- Last updated
- 22 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Mechanisms Underlying the Beneficial Effects of Naps on Motor Learning
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04312126
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 200060
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Keywords
- Motor Skill, Sleep, Neural Replay, Natural History
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 199 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)US National Institutes of Health
- Study start
- 4 Mar 2021 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Mar 2030 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Mar 2030 (estimated)
- First posted
- 18 Mar 2020 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Background:
Memory consolidation is the process by which memories become stable, long-term representations in the brain. Consolidation of a motor skill is dependent upon sleep. Some research shows that daytime naps improve people s motor performance and memory retention. Researchers want to find out how daytime naps may contribute to learning and support consolidation of motor skill memories.
Objective:
To learn the role of memory replay during wakeful rest and sleep (naps) in retaining a newly learned skill.
Eligibility:
English-speaking adults ages 18 and older with chronic stroke, or healthy, right-handed, English-speaking adults ages 18-35 and 50-80
Design:
Participants will be screened with:
- medical history
- neurological history
- medicine review
- medical exam
- neurological exam.
Participants will have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain. For this, they will lie down in a scanner. The scanner makes loud noises, so they will wear earplugs. They will fill out an MRI screening form before each MRI.
Participants will also have magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG maps brain activity. It does this by recording the magnetic fields produced by naturally occurring electrical currents in the brain. For MEG, participants will lie down in the MEG room. Their eye movements may be recorded by a video camera.
Participants will have behavior testing. They will practice typing random keys. Then they will repeatedly type a custom sequence that they see on a computer screen. Then they will take a 2-hour nap. Then they will type the same sequence again.
Participants will have no more than 4 visits at the NIH over 3 months. Visits will last 2-4 hours each.
Detailed description
Study Description:
We will investigate the within-individual contribution of wakeful and sleep neural replay to motor skill consolidation in three groups: (a) young healthy subjects, (b) older healthy subjects and (c) patients with chronic stroke.
Objectives:
The primary aim is to determine the relative contribution of neural replay during wakeful rest and sleep to consolidation of a newly learned skill in young and older healthy volunteers, and in chronic stroke patients with magnetoencephalography (MEG). The secondary aim is to evaluate differences in replay rates between these subject cohorts. We will also explore differences in replay rates, spatiotemporal dynamics of neural replay and sleep spindles to generate additional hypotheses and preliminary data for future studies.
Endpoints:
The primary endpoint measure is motor skill consolidation (i.e., offline change in correct sequence typing speed following a nap). The secondary endpoint measure is neural replay rate. Exploratory endpoints measures are spatial (i.e. - parcellated source space) and time-frequency maps of neural replay during wakeful rest and sleep, and changes in button-press finger movement kinematics during learning.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1 | – | –46 healthy young (18-35) volunteers |
| Arm 2 | – | –46 healthy older (50-80) volunteers |
| Arm 3 | – | Device: MRI system, Device: MEG system46 chronic (>6 months post-stroke) stroke patients |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Right-handed adults between the ages of 18 and 80.
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Age 18-35 (Arm 1) or 50-80 (Arms 2).
- English speaking.
- Clear right-hand dominance (>74 on Edinburgh Handedness Inventory).
- Normal neurological examination as determined by the screening clinician.
- Age 18 or older
Key exclusion criteria (12 listed)
- HCPS affiliated NIH staff (i.e. - staff from our section).
- Current pregnancy.
- Contraindications for MRI or MEG.
- Use of sleep medications within 24 hours of Experimental Session participation.
- Severe or progressive neurological, psychological or medical condition as determined by the screening clinician.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| MRI systemMRI system - GE Discovery MR750 3T | Device | Arm 3 |
| MEG systemMEG system The CTF MEG 275 Magnetoencephalography (MEG) scanner system | Device | Arm 3 |
Primary outcome
The primary endpoint measure is the degree to which motor skill consolidation (i.e., offline change in correct sequence typing speed) is predicted by replay rates during wakeful rest and sleep, and spindle rates during sleep (i.e. multiple r...
Time frame: 4 years
The primary endpoint measure is the degree to which motor skill consolidation (i.e., offline change in correct sequence typing speed) is predicted by replay rates during wakeful rest and sleep, and spindle rates during sleep (i.e. multiple regression model with 3 predictors).
1 secondary outcome
Exploratory endpoints measures are spatial (i.e. - parcellated source space) and time-frequency maps of neural replay during wakeful rest and sleep.
Time frame: 4 years
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 22 Sep 2026.
- NIH Clinical Center Detailed Web PageLink provided by the sponsor.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Leonardo G Cohen, M.D. principal investigator
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Stroke, run by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 12 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Catherine L Blumhorst, C.R.N.P. ((301) 451-1335, cathy.blumhorst@nih.gov), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The primary endpoint measure is the degree to which motor skill consolidation (i.e., offline change in correct sequence typing speed) is predicted by replay rates during wakeful rest and sleep, and spindle rates during sleep (i.e. multiple r... (time frame: 4 years). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Sep 2026.