Using Real-time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Neurofeedback and Motor Imagery to Enhance Motor Timing and Precision in Cerebellar Ataxia
Status: Completed
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Device
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY
The aim of the research is to improve motor function in people with cerebellar ataxia by using neuroimaging methods and mental imagery to exercise motor networks in the brain. The relevance of this research to public health is that results have the potential to reduce motor deficits associated with cerebellar atrophy, thereby enhancing the quality of life and promoting independence.
Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Maximum Age: 100
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:
• 18-100 years of age
• At least 8th-grade education
• Right-handedness
• Clinical diagnosis of progressive, degenerative cerebellar ataxia by a movement disorder specialist (cerebellar ataxia of unknown etiology, and spinocerebellar ataxias with and without genetic confirmation)
Locations
United States
Maryland
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore
Time Frame
Start Date: 2023-03-14
Completion Date: 2024-01-22
Participants
Target number of participants: 21
Treatments
Experimental: Real time neurofeedback with task and at-home finger tapping practice sessions
Participants will undergo a real-time fMRI scan during which two distinct tasks will be performed.~Neurofeedback treatment: During the fMRI scan, the tasks consist of:~1. Overt finger tapping in time with a flashing cue.~2. Motor imagery (of finger tapping).~During overt finger tapping, feedback will consist of a slider bar that indicates tapping accuracy to target speed (1 or 4Hz). During motor imagery, neurofeedback will consist of a crosshair that flashes to indicate the success of recruiting predicted brain regions (consistent with those engaged during overt tapping).~At-home therapy: Participants are assigned to one of two groups where participants will practice each day 17 sessions total at-home.~Group 1: Overt finger tapping on 17 daily sessions. Participants will finger tap in time with the flashing cue.
Experimental: Real time neurofeedback with task and at-home motor imagery practice sessions
Participants will undergo a real-time fMRI scan during which two distinct tasks will be performed.~Neurofeedback treatment: During the fMRI scan, the tasks consist of:~1. Overt finger tapping in time with a flashing cue.~2. Motor imagery (of finger tapping).~During overt finger tapping, feedback will consist of a slider bar that indicates tapping accuracy to target speed (1 or 4Hz). During motor imagery, neurofeedback will consist of a crosshair that flashes to indicate the success of recruiting predicted brain regions (consistent with those engaged during overt tapping).~At-home therapy: Participants are assigned to one of two groups where participants will practice each day 17 sessions total at-home.~Group 2: Motor imagery only on 13 daily sessions, and overt finger tapping only on 4 daily sessions.
Authors
Cherie Marvel
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Collaborators: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Leads: Johns Hopkins University