To determine the mechanisms underlying motor skill training, somatosensory electrical stimulation, and a combined intervention on motor skill acquisition, motor memory consolidation, and interlimb transfer in healthy younger and older adults.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
- Fractures
Synonym
Health condition
Beroerte
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Primary outcome measure is the tracing error in the visuomotor task
Secondary outcome
Secondary outcome measures are mechanistic measures as assessed with
electroencephalography. Specifically, we examine changes in the N30-component,
event-related desynchronization, and resting-state coherence.
Background summary
Sensory input is essential for accurate motor performance. Sensory dysfunctions
are associated with motor dysfunctions and this interaction has led to the
hypothesis that non-physiological input could enhance or augment motor skill
acquisition and motor memory consolidation. The present study aims to examine
the possibility that unilateral somatosensory electrical stimulation (SES)
could enhance motor performance in the stimulated hand, but also in the
non-stimulated hand. In addition, electroencephalography will be used to
examine the possibility that changes in motor performance are mediated by
changes in brain activity. It is relevant to gain insight in the mechanisms
underlying changes in motor performance, because insight into how participants
learn a motor task could lead to optimalization of rehabilitation protocols.
The motor task as used in the present study will be a difficult visuomotor
tracking task, during which participants will be asked to trace a
pre-programmed template as accurately as possible using their wrist flexors and
extensors. SES will be weak electrical stimulation with a low intensity.
Study objective
To determine the mechanisms underlying motor skill training, somatosensory
electrical stimulation, and a combined intervention on motor skill acquisition,
motor memory consolidation, and interlimb transfer in healthy younger and older
adults.
Study design
We will use visuomotor practice, somatosensory electrical stimulation, and a
combined group as intervention and a no-intervention group as control group in
a pre-test, post-test, follow-up design.
Intervention
Weak somatosensory electrical stimulation applied to the right hand, in some
conditions combined with non-invasive visuomotor practice with the right wrist
flexors and extensors during a 20-minute session
Study burden and risks
Participants report to the Department of Clinical Neurophysiology twice. The
first session takes approximately 2.5 hours and the second session 1.5 hours,
during which rest needed by participants is taken into account during the
visuomotor practice and in between electroencephalography (EEG) measures.
Testing consists of motor performance in a visuomotor task and responses to
elektrical stimuli and simple hand clenching movements during which EEG is
measured. EEG preparation can be unpleasant but not painful, because
impedance-reducing gel will be placed on the head using a hollow needle.
Electrical stimulation will not be higher than the motor threshold, and can be
surprising but not painful. It can cause a temporary tingling sensation. There
are no known long-term effects of the techniques that are used in the present
study.
Antonius Deusinglaan 1
Groningen 9700AD
NL
Antonius Deusinglaan 1
Groningen 9700AD
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
18-30 or 65 years or older, right handed, written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
Fracture in the upper extremity over the past year, neurological disorders, health or psychiatric problems, medication affecting central nervous system functioning, or MMSE score < 26
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL55748.042.15 |
| OMON | NL-OMON22077 |