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BDNF and Motor Learning

NCT02074696 · Status: TERMINATED · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 24

Last updated 2017-05-12

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The purpose of the study is to assess the status of brain-derived neurotrophic factor brain (BDNF) and how the brain behaves in response to skill acquisition. Specifically we will investigate the relationship of the status of BDNF with cortical excitability changes and learning that occur during a motor training paradigm. We aim to 1) determine cortical excitability changes by using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before and after training; 2) to determine finger tracking accuracy before and after training; and 3) determine the presence of BDNF polymorphism in each participant.

We are testing healthy adults in this study, and eventually would like to apply to persons who have neurologic disorders such as stroke or dystonia. By applying a magnetic field to the outside of the head, electrical currents are produced within the brain that can stimulate brain tissue. Using TMS, the brain can be studied to gain a greater understanding of the mechanisms associated with cortical excitability in healthy and patient populations. There is limited knowledge of what influence genetic biomarkers such as BDNF have on cortical excitability changes within the cortex following learning. Studies have indicated that people without this certain gene are less likely to show changes in brain excitability during TMS and during motor learning than people with this gene

Conditions

  • BDNF
  • Polymorphism, Genetic

Sponsors & Collaborators

Principal Investigators

  • Teresa J Kimberley, PhD, PT · University of Minnesota

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
45 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2014-04-30
Primary Completion
2014-05-31
Completion
2014-05-31

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Entities

Companies

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT02074696 on ClinicalTrials.gov