Transcranial Magnetic StimulationNCT06262425
rTMS Over S1 Enhance Motor Learning in Healthy People
A study testing repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortex and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary motor cortex in people with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Motor Learning, run by Neuron, Spain at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of different repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation protocols for enhancing motor learning in healthy peolple. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Motor Learning
- What is being tested?
- repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortex and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary motor cortex
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 20 Jan 2024to 15 Jul 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Older than 18 years old and younger than 65
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Different Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocols for Motor Learning in Healthy People. A Randomized Controlled Trial
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of different repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation protocols for enhancing motor learning in healthy peolple.
Read the detailed description
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.
- Conditions
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Motor Learning
- Being tested
- repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortex, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary motor cortex, sham repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
- Keywords
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation, Motor learning, Somatosensory cortex, Motor function
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortexDevice
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 cortexDevice
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 StimulationDevice
It will be applied a sham stimulation with the same protocol that pretends to create the illusion of being stimulated
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortex | Experimental | Participants in the experimental group will receive 5 weekly sessions of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for two weeks. An excitatory stimulation over the primary somatosensory area corresponding to the dominant hand will be applied. For this purpose, the motor area will be localized and a coil will be placed 2 cm posterior to it. An isolated pulse will be applied to the motor area to ensure that the coil is not placed over the motor area using 110% of the motor resting threshold. After this, 22 trains of 10 Hz at an intensity of 90% of the motor resting threshold will be applied for 4 seconds, with a rest between series of 10 seconds (a total of 880 pulses). After the stimulation, participants will train with the Forced Response training program for a total of 500 correct repetitions and the Purdue Pegboard Test with 4 repetitions for right hand, left hand and both hands. Receives: Device: repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortex |
| repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary motor cortex | Active comparator | Participants in the active comparator group will receive 5 weekly sessions of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for two weeks. An excitatory stimulation over the primary motor cortex corresponding to the dominant hand will be applied. For this purpose, the motor area will be localized, and an isolated pulse will be applied to the motor area to ensure that the coil is placed over the motor area using 100% of the motor resting threshold. After this, 22 trains of 10 Hz at an intensity of 90% of the motor resting threshold will be applied for 4 seconds, with a rest between series of 10 seconds (a total of 880 pulses). After the stimulation, participants will train with the Forced Response training program for a total of 500 correct repetitions and the Purdue Pegboard Test with 4 repetitions for right hand, left hand and both hands. Receives: Device: repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary motor cortex |
| Sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation | Sham comparator | Participants in the sham group will receive 5 weekly sessions of sham repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for two weeks.To achieve the placebo, the localization of the area to be stimulated will be carried out but the coil will be placed in a vertical position so the current will not go through the skull and the patient will just feel the vibration, communicating to the participant that it is likely that during the stimulation process he/she will not feel anything. After the sham stimulation, participants will train with the Forced Response training program for a total of 500 correct repetitions and the Purdue Pegboard Test with 4 repetitions for right hand, left hand and both hands. Receives: Device: sham repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change 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.
Measured: Change from Baseline to 5 days and 10 days in accuracy
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change 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.
Measured: Change from Baseline to 5 days and 10 days in reaction time speed
Change in pegs 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.
Measured: Change from Baseline to 5 days and 10 days in days placed in 30 seconds
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Feb 2024
- Study start20 Jan 2024
- Primary completion15 Jul 2025
- Study completion15 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Transcranial Magnetic StimulationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Neuron, Spain
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Alfredo Lerín Calvo, PhD student, Principal investigator, Neuron, Spain
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06262425
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ALC001NR004
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 20 Dec 2023
- Last updated
- 2 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Lerin-Calvo A, Moreno-Verdu M, Remon-Ramiro L, Hardwick RM, Lasheras-Cuerda C, Lerma-Lara S, Ferrer-Pena R. Effects of Different Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Targets for Enhancing Motor Learning: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Neural Plast. 2026;2026(1):e6487874. doi: 10.1155/np/6487874.
PubMed 42241053
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Different Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocols for Motor Learning in Healthy People. A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06262425
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ALC001NR004
- Conditions
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Motor Learning
- Keywords
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation, Motor learning, Somatosensory cortex, Motor function
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Neuron, SpainUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Jan 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Feb 2024 (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.
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of different repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation protocols for enhancing motor learning in healthy peolple.
Detailed description
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortex | Experimental | Device: repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortexParticipants in the experimental group will receive 5 weekly sessions of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for two weeks. An excitatory stimulation over the primary somatosensory area corresponding to the dominant hand will be applied. For this purpose, the motor area will be localized and a coil will be placed 2 cm posterior to it. An isolated pulse will be applied to the motor area to ensure that the coil is not placed over the motor area using 110% of the motor resting threshold. After this, 22 trains of 10 Hz at an intensity of 90% of the motor resting threshold will be applied for 4 seconds, with a rest between series of 10 seconds (a total of 880 pulses). After the stimulation, participants will train with the Forced Response training program for a total of 500 correct repetitions and the Purdue Pegboard Test with 4 repetitions for right hand, left hand and both hands. |
| repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary motor cortex | Active comparator | Device: repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary motor cortexParticipants in the active comparator group will receive 5 weekly sessions of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for two weeks. An excitatory stimulation over the primary motor cortex corresponding to the dominant hand will be applied. For this purpose, the motor area will be localized, and an isolated pulse will be applied to the motor area to ensure that the coil is placed over the motor area using 100% of the motor resting threshold. After this, 22 trains of 10 Hz at an intensity of 90% of the motor resting threshold will be applied for 4 seconds, with a rest between series of 10 seconds (a total of 880 pulses). After the stimulation, participants will train with the Forced Response training program for a total of 500 correct repetitions and the Purdue Pegboard Test with 4 repetitions for right hand, left hand and both hands. |
| Sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation | Sham comparator | Device: sham repetitive Transcranial Magnetic StimulationParticipants in the sham group will receive 5 weekly sessions of sham repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for two weeks.To achieve the placebo, the localization of the area to be stimulated will be carried out but the coil will be placed in a vertical position so the current will not go through the skull and the patient will just feel the vibration, communicating to the participant that it is likely that during the stimulation process he/she will not feel anything. After the sham stimulation, participants will train with the Forced Response training program for a total of 500 correct repetitions and the Purdue Pegboard Test with 4 repetitions for right hand, left hand and both hands. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Older than 18 years old and younger than 65
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortexIt 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 | Device | repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortex |
| repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary motor cortexIt 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 | Device | repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary motor cortex |
| sham repetitive Transcranial Magnetic StimulationIt will be applied a sham stimulation with the same protocol that pretends to create the illusion of being stimulated | Device | Sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation |
Primary outcome
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.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in reaction time speed
Time frame: Change from Baseline to 5 days and 10 days in reaction time speed
Change in pegs placed in 30 seconds
Time frame: Change from Baseline to 5 days and 10 days in days placed in 30 seconds
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Sep 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42241053Lerin-Calvo A, Moreno-Verdu M, Remon-Ramiro L, Hardwick RM, Lasheras-Cuerda C, Lerma-Lara S, Ferrer-Pena R. Effects of Different Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Targets for Enhancing Motor Learning: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Neural Plast. 2026;2026(1):e6487874. doi: 10.1155/np/6487874.
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Alfredo Lerín Calvo, PhD student principal investigator
Neuron, Spain
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary somatosensory cortex and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over primary motor cortex in people with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Motor Learning, run by Neuron, Spain at 1 site in Spain.
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 1 inclusion and 3 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Sep 2025. 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 Spain. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in accuracy (time frame: Change from Baseline to 5 days and 10 days in accuracy). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06262425, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 2 Sep 2025.