NCT06598150 · Northwestern University
Mapping Corticoreticulospinal Motor Control in Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke
What this study is about
This study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging to map neural activity throughout the central nervous system during a shoulder abduction task to characterize what motor pathways are being used post-stroke.
View original scientific description
This study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging to map neural activity throughout the central nervous system during a shoulder abduction task to characterize what motor pathways are being used post-stroke.
Interventions
OTHER
Shoulder Abduction
Individuals will be visually cued to perform short, unilateral, isometric shoulder abduction tasks. A visual display will provide real-time feedback of the shoulder abduction torque, to help the participant target a predetermined torque level.
Primary outcome measures
BOLD activation
Time frame: 3 days to 3 months
BOLD fMRI data will be analyzed to map neural activation associated with the shoulder abduction task.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults aged at least 18y
- Able to perform shoulder abduction task (confirmed during screening and initial examination)
- Safe to undergo MRI
- Able to follow visual instructions using MRI-compatible vision correction goggles
- No brainstem or cerebellar lesions
- No severe concurrent medical problems
- Cognitive/attentional capacity to focus on a task
- Able to communicate in English or Spanish Additional inclusion criteria for stroke participants:
- Have sustained only one unilateral subcortical, ischemic lesion in the territory supplied by the Middle Cerebral Artery (confirmed by clinical or radiological reports) at least one year prior to participation in this project
- Paresis confined to one side, with moderate-to-severe motor impairment of the upper limb (Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer score between 10 and 45).
Exclusion criteria
- MRI contraindications
- Severe claustrophobia
- Pregnant women
- Vulnerable populations
- Diagnosis/history of:
- multiple sclerosis
- brain tumor
- brain radiation
- traumatic brain injury
- Parkinson's disease
- Concurrent enrollment in an intervention study
- Concurrent use of medications known to suppress central nervous system activity
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
Collaborators
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 1, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations