Improving Motor Learning in Stroke Patients

Study Summary

No universally successful therapy exists that promotes recovery of motor function after a stroke, the main cause of long-term disability among adults. The purpose of this study is to develop strategies to improve recovery of lost motor function. It will combine motor skills training with a brain-stimulating technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Healthy adult volunteers and adult stroke patients will be enrolled in this study. Participants will come to NIH for a clinical and neurological exam, and, if necessary, an MRI \[magnetic resonance imaging\] examination. Participants will return for 4 sessions; each lasting approximately 3 hours. The first will be a practice session during which participants will become familiar with the motor skills required of them in this study, such as performing finger movements on a keyboard, pinching, tapping, making wrist movements, and lifting small items. In sessions 2 and 3, participants will perform the motor skills they practiced in session 1 while receiving tDCS. During session 4, they will receive tDCS only, with no performance of motor skills. During tDCS, investigators will place electrodes with a gel on participants' heads and pass the tDCS current between these two electrodes. tDCS is a painless procedure. Participants will receive up to $420 in compensation for their involvement in this study. ...