BDNF and Motor Learning

NCT02074696 | Terminated DMC

• 1 other identifier: 1401M46962
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 24
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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

Keywords

brain derived neurotrophic factor

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Accuracy Index

  A computer quantified tracking performance measure in each test. This is a calculation of accuracy by using the equation: AI = 100(P-E)/P. Where E is the root mean square (r.m.s.) error between the target line and the response line, and P is the size of the individual's target pattern, calculated as the r.m.s. difference between the sine wave and the midline separating the upper and lower phases of the sine wave. The magnitude of P is determined by the scale of the vertical axis, which is the subject's range of finger motion. Therefore, the AI is normalized to each subject's own range of motion and takes into account any differences between subjects in the excursion of the tracking target. The maximum possible score is 100%. Negative scores occur when the response line is so distant from the target that it falls on the opposite side of the midline.

  Day 1: posttest after training

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Cortical Excitability

  Day 1: baseline

• Cortical Excitability

  Day 1: posttest

Other Outcomes (1)

• BDNF genetic status

  Day 1

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy adults

You may qualify if:

• years
• no past history of psychiatric or neurologic disease.

You may not qualify if:

• any neuromuscular disorder that impairs upper extremity motion or seizure history
• Pregnancy
• Indwelling metal or medical device that are incompatible with TMS testing.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Minnesota: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55414, United States

Location

Biospecimen

Retention: SAMPLES WITH DNA

Saliva sample for BDNF testing

Study Officials

• Teresa J Kimberley, PhD, PT

  University of Minnesota

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 26, 2014
• First Posted: February 28, 2014
• Study Start: April 1, 2014
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2014
• Study Completion: May 1, 2014
• Last Updated: May 12, 2017

Record last verified: 2017-05

Locations

US (1)