Motor Adaptation and GeneralizationNCT05947279
Examining Lateralized Aspects of Motor Control Using Non-invasive Neural Stimulation
A study testing Comparing motor adaptation reaching performance in people with Motor Adaptation and Generalization and Posterior Parietal Cortex, run by Virginia Commonwealth University at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Motor adaptation and generalization are believed to occur via the integration of various forms of sensory feedback for a congruent representation of the body's position in space along with estimation of inertial properties of the limb segments for accurate specification of movement. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Motor Adaptation and Generalization, Posterior Parietal Cortex, Cerebellum
- What is being tested?
- Comparing motor adaptation reaching performance
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 3 Apr 2024to 15 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- 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 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Right-handed as determined by the short-form Edinburgh Handedness Inventory
- Between the ages of 18 and 40
Who cannot join
- Mixed- or left-handed as determined by the short-form Edinburgh Handedness Inventory
- Self-reported history of any of the following:
- Seizure and/or diagnosis of epilepsy Fainting spells Concussion with loss of consciousness Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Cochlear implants Migraines Diagnosed psychological or neurological condition Metal in the scalp
- Any previous adverse reaction to a brain stimulation technique
- Any previous adverse reaction to 3D virtual reality environments (i.e. 'cybersickness')
- Possibility of being currently pregnant (for females only)
- Current open head wound or skin condition of the scalp
- Current implanted device(s) (i.e. cardiac pacemaker)
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
Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center
Richmond, Virginia, 23219
Brooke Dexheimer, 563-547-0125, dexheimerb@vcu.edu
Brooke Dexheimer, PhD
About this study
Motor adaptation and generalization are believed to occur via the integration of various forms of sensory feedback for a congruent representation of the body's position in space along with estimation of inertial properties of the limb segments for accurate specification of movement. Thus, motor adaptation is often studied within curated environments incorporating a "mis-match" between different sensory systems (i.e. a visual field shift via prism googles or a visuomotor rotation via virtual reality environment) and observing how motor plans change based on this mis-match. However, these adaptations are environment-specific and show little generalization outside of their restricted experimental setup. There remains a need for motor adaptation research that demonstrates motor learning that generalizes to other environments and movement types. This work could then inform physical and occupational therapy neurorehabilitation interventions targeted at addressing motor deficits.
Read the detailed description
Voluntary movement and sensory perception are fundamental aspects of the human experience. Senses such as visual and proprioceptive feedback inform movement by continuously providing the central nervous system with information on limb location, movement error, and task performance. However, the specific mechanisms behind how different forms of sensory information are used to adapt and generalize movement remain poorly understood.
Motor adaptation, or the modification of movement based on error feedback (Martin et al., 1996), is often elicited during rehabilitation but must be generalized to functional performance, such as activities of daily living, in order to successfully rehabilitate motor deficits following stroke. Motor adaptation and generalization are believed to occur via the integration of various forms of sensory feedback for a congruent representation of the body's position in space along with estimation of inertial properties of the limb segments for accurate specification of movement. Thus, motor adaptation is often studied within curated environments incorporating a "mis-match" between different sensory systems (i.e. a visual field shift via prism googles or a visuomotor rotation via virtual reality environment) and observing how motor plans change based on this mis-match. However, these adaptations are environment-specific and show little generalization outside of their restricted experimental setup. There remains a need for motor adaptation research that demonstrates motor learning that generalizes to other environments and movement types. This work could then inform physical and occupational therapy neurorehabilitation interventions targeted at addressing motor deficits.
- Being tested
- Comparing motor adaptation reaching performance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Comparing motor adaptation reaching performanceBehavioural
By comparing motor adaptation reaching performance between these three groups, the investigators can examine how stimulation to each specific area of the brain modulates different aspects of motor adaptation
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Posterior parietal cortex group | Experimental | Posterior parietal cortex group, which will receive the stimulation to their left posterior parietal cortex Receives: Behavioral: Comparing motor adaptation reaching performance |
| Cerebellum group | Experimental | Cerebellum group, which will receive stimulation to their right cerebellum, Receives: Behavioral: Comparing motor adaptation reaching performance |
| Sham group | Sham comparator | Sham group, which will have the electrode cap placed on their head but receive no stimulation Receives: Behavioral: Comparing motor adaptation reaching performance |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Initial direction error, or difference between participant's fingertip direction
Initial direction error, or difference between participant's fingertip direction at the timepoint of peak velocity relative to a linear path to the target. As for time frame, this is a single-visit study. Initial direction error will be compared during baseline reaching and following 20 minutes of non-invasive neural stimulation.
Measured: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 minutes
Initial direction error variance
Initial direction error variance across multiple trials.
Measured: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 minutes
Secondary outcomes (4)
Final position error
Secondary outcome: final position error, or distance from participant's fingertip position at the conclusion of the reach to the center of the target. Similar to above, this measure will be compared during baseline and following 20 minutes of stimulation.
Measured: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 min
Final position error variance across multiple trials.
Final position error variance across multiple trials.
Measured: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 min
Deviation from linearity
Deviation from linearity, or a ratio of minimum and maximum displacement across the parallel and perpendicular planes of the reaching movement.
Measured: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 min
Peak tangential velocity
Peak tangential velocity, or highest tangential velocity reached during reach.
Measured: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 min
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Jul 2023
- Study start3 Apr 2024
- Primary completion15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Motor Adaptation and GeneralizationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Virginia Commonwealth UniversityThe 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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- The study will have three groups: (15 people per group) 1) posterior parietal cortex group, which will receive the stimulation to their left posterior parietal cortex, 2) cerebellum group, which will receive stimulation to their right cerebellum, and 3) sham group, which will have the electrode cap placed on their head but receive no stimulation. By comparing motor adaptation reaching performance between these three groups, the investigators can examine how stimulation to each specific area of the brain modulates different aspects of motor adaptation.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05947279
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HM20025761
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Jun 2023
- Last updated
- 13 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Examining Lateralized Aspects of Motor Control Using Non-invasive Neural Stimulation
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05947279
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HM20025761
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 3 Apr 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Jul 2023 (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.
Motor adaptation and generalization are believed to occur via the integration of various forms of sensory feedback for a congruent representation of the body's position in space along with estimation of inertial properties of the limb segments for accurate specification of movement. Thus, motor adaptation is often studied within curated environments incorporating a "mis-match" between different sensory systems (i.e. a visual field shift via prism googles or a visuomotor rotation via virtual reality environment) and observing how motor plans change based on this mis-match. However, these adaptations are environment-specific and show little generalization outside of their restricted experimental setup. There remains a need for motor adaptation research that demonstrates motor learning that generalizes to other environments and movement types. This work could then inform physical and occupational therapy neurorehabilitation interventions targeted at addressing motor deficits.
Detailed description
Voluntary movement and sensory perception are fundamental aspects of the human experience. Senses such as visual and proprioceptive feedback inform movement by continuously providing the central nervous system with information on limb location, movement error, and task performance. However, the specific mechanisms behind how different forms of sensory information are used to adapt and generalize movement remain poorly understood.
Motor adaptation, or the modification of movement based on error feedback (Martin et al., 1996), is often elicited during rehabilitation but must be generalized to functional performance, such as activities of daily living, in order to successfully rehabilitate motor deficits following stroke. Motor adaptation and generalization are believed to occur via the integration of various forms of sensory feedback for a congruent representation of the body's position in space along with estimation of inertial properties of the limb segments for accurate specification of movement. Thus, motor adaptation is often studied within curated environments incorporating a "mis-match" between different sensory systems (i.e. a visual field shift via prism googles or a visuomotor rotation via virtual reality environment) and observing how motor plans change based on this mis-match. However, these adaptations are environment-specific and show little generalization outside of their restricted experimental setup. There remains a need for motor adaptation research that demonstrates motor learning that generalizes to other environments and movement types. This work could then inform physical and occupational therapy neurorehabilitation interventions targeted at addressing motor deficits.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- The study will have three groups: (15 people per group) 1) posterior parietal cortex group, which will receive the stimulation to their left posterior parietal cortex, 2) cerebellum group, which will receive stimulation to their right cerebellum, and 3) sham group, which will have the electrode cap placed on their head but receive no stimulation. By comparing motor adaptation reaching performance between these three groups, the investigators can examine how stimulation to each specific area of the brain modulates different aspects of motor adaptation.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Posterior parietal cortex group | Experimental | Behavioral: Comparing motor adaptation reaching performancePosterior parietal cortex group, which will receive the stimulation to their left posterior parietal cortex |
| Cerebellum group | Experimental | Behavioral: Comparing motor adaptation reaching performanceCerebellum group, which will receive stimulation to their right cerebellum, |
| Sham group | Sham comparator | Behavioral: Comparing motor adaptation reaching performanceSham group, which will have the electrode cap placed on their head but receive no stimulation |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Right-handed as determined by the short-form Edinburgh Handedness Inventory
- Between the ages of 18 and 40
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Mixed- or left-handed as determined by the short-form Edinburgh Handedness Inventory
- Self-reported history of any of the following:
- Seizure and/or diagnosis of epilepsy Fainting spells Concussion with loss of consciousness Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Cochlear implants Migraines Diagnosed psychological or neurological condition Metal in the scalp
- Any previous adverse reaction to a brain stimulation technique
- Any previous adverse reaction to 3D virtual reality environments (i.e. 'cybersickness')
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Comparing motor adaptation reaching performanceBy comparing motor adaptation reaching performance between these three groups, the investigators can examine how stimulation to each specific area of the brain modulates different aspects of motor adaptation | Behavioural | Cerebellum group, Posterior parietal cortex group, Sham group |
Primary outcome
Initial direction error, or difference between participant's fingertip direction
Time frame: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 minutes
Initial direction error, or difference between participant's fingertip direction at the timepoint of peak velocity relative to a linear path to the target. As for time frame, this is a single-visit study. Initial direction error will be compared during baseline reaching and following 20 minutes of non-invasive neural stimulation.
Initial direction error variance
Time frame: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 minutes
Initial direction error variance across multiple trials.
4 secondary outcomes
Final position error
Time frame: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 min
Final position error variance across multiple trials.
Time frame: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 min
Deviation from linearity
Time frame: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 min
Peak tangential velocity
Time frame: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 min
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 13 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Comparing motor adaptation reaching performance in people with Motor Adaptation and Generalization and Posterior Parietal Cortex, run by Virginia Commonwealth University 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 2 inclusion and 8 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 13 Mar 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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 Brooke Dexheimer, PhD, OTD, OTR/L (563-547-0125, dexheimerb@vcu.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Initial direction error, or difference between participant's fingertip direction (time frame: Completion of the study visit, approx 20 minutes). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. 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 13 Mar 2026.