Music and Brain Stimulation for Upper Extremity Performance in Patients With Corticobasal Syndrome

Summary

This study is designed to investigate how musical patterns (e.g., patterned sensory enhancement, PSE) and non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS) are effective to improve functional upper extremity performances in patients with corticobasal syndrome (CBS).

20 individuals with CBS will be randomly assigned to either PSE group (n= 10) or PSE+tDCS (n=10) group. Both interventions are 30 minutes long, twice a week for three weeks (a total of 6 sessions). Participants' self-reported and measurable outcomes including upper extremity function, kinematic quantities, quality of life, mood, cognitive level, and brain activity (e.g. electroencephalography, EEG) will be assessed in the baseline, pre- and post- each session, and follow-up phase.

This study seeks to assess the possibility that music-based intervention and non-invasive brain stimulation may improve outcomes in CBS patients for patients' non-invasive but cost-effective rehabilitation settings in the future.

Conditions

• Corticobasal Syndrome
• Upper Extremity Dysfunction

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE)

Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) is one of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques. NMT is a research-guided clinical model that is driven by advances in neuroscience and the understanding of the perception, production, and performance of music and how music can influence and change non-musical brain and behavior function. PSE is a technique that uses the rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and dynamic-acoustical elements of music to provide temporal, spatial, and. force cues for movements which reflect functional movements of activities of daily.

DEVICE

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

We will apply five small electrodes to participant's head. Once the electrodes are in place, a small electrical current will be passed between the electrodes. Participants will also get "sham" tDCS, which means they will not receive any real stimulation from the electrodes. Most individuals do not find the procedure uncomfortable, and there are no known long-term risks of tDCS. When the current goes through the electrodes, you may feel an itching or tingling sensation under the electrodes or see brief flashes of light, or you may not feel anything at all. If the sensation is unpleasant, participant can report to co-investigator immediately. If participant finds the procedures too uncomfortable, they may stop it at any time. A trained staff member will be present throughout the procedure.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Johns Hopkins University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Alexander Pantelyat, MD · Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

89 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-04-22

Primary Completion

2026-06-30

Completion

2026-06-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations