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N/A N=21 Randomized Basic Science

Using Real-time fMRI Neurofeedback and Motor Imagery to Enhance Motor Timing and Precision in Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar Ataxia · Spinocerebellar Ataxias · Cerebellar Degeneration

Enrolled (actual)
21
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Jan 2025
Primary outcome: Primary: Change in Overt Tapping Accuracy as Assessed by Finger Tapping to a Flashing Cue at 1Hz Speed — .00141488 taps per second

Study Design & Population

Study type
Interventional
Phase
N/A
Interventions
Real-time fMRI with neurofeedback of motor imagery (Device)
Age
Adult, Older Adult · 18+ yrs
Sex
All
Sponsor
Johns Hopkins University
Primary completion
Jan 2024

Outcome Measures

OutcomeResultp-value
PRIMARY
Change in Overt Tapping Accuracy as Assessed by Finger Tapping to a Flashing Cue at 1Hz Speed
.00141488
PRIMARY
Change in Overt Tapping Accuracy as Assessed by Finger Tapping to a Flashing Cue at 4Hz Speed
.00165387
PRIMARY
Change in At-home Overt Tapping Accuracy as Assessed by Finger Tapping to a Flashing Cue at 1Hz Speed
.392919831; .200339199
PRIMARY
Change in At-home Overt Tapping Accuracy as Assessed by Finger Tapping to a Flashing Cue at 4Hz Speed
.35613192; .067492801
SECONDARY
The Correlation Between MRI BOLD During Imagery and Finger Tapping Accuracy Improvements to a Flashing Cue at 1Hz as Assessed by a Correlation Coefficient
.850; .861; .838; .842; .884; .850
SECONDARY
The Correlation Between MRI BOLD and Finger Tapping Accuracy to a Flashing Cue at 4Hz as Assessed by a Correlation Coefficient
.688
SECONDARY
The Correlation Between the KVIQ and Imagery Accuracy of the Flashing Cross on the MRI Task as Assessed by a Correlation Coefficient
.953
SECONDARY
The Correlation Between the ICARS and Imagery Accuracy Accuracy of the Flashing Cross on the MRI Task as Assessed by a Correlation Coefficient
-.263

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 Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • 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)

Exclusion Criteria

  • History of Axis I psychiatric disorders (including alcohol and drug dependence)
  • Severe or unstable medical disorder, neurological disorders, such as stroke or epilepsy
  • History of head injury that resulted in a loss of consciousness greater than 5 minutes and/or neurological sequelae
  • Any condition that is contraindicated for the MRI environment (e.g., metal in the body, pacemaker, claustrophobia)
  • Currently pregnant
  • Clinical diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) or Friedrich's ataxia (FA)
  • Eligible subjects may be asked to refrain from medications that affect the central nervous system that would also make data difficult to interpret (e.g., sedatives) for an appropriate period of time prior to scanning
  • Participants will be excluded if the participants do not have a home computer with internet available to complete the 3-week at-home component of the study protocol
View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05436262). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.

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