The Beneficial Effects of Naps on Motor Learning (NCT04312126) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
The Beneficial Effects of Naps on Motor Learning
United States199 participantsStarted 2021-03-04
Plain-language summary
Background:
Memory consolidation is the process by which memories become stable, long-term representations in the brain. Consolidation of a motor skill is dependent upon sleep. Some research shows that daytime naps improve people s motor performance and memory retention. Researchers want to find out how daytime naps may contribute to learning and support consolidation of motor skill memories.
Objective:
To learn the role of memory replay during wakeful rest and sleep (naps) in retaining a newly learned skill.
Eligibility:
English-speaking adults ages 18 and older with chronic stroke, or healthy, right-handed, English-speaking adults ages 18-35 and 50-80
Design:
Participants will be screened with:
* medical history
* neurological history
* medicine review
* medical exam
* neurological exam.
Participants will have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain. For this, they will lie down in a scanner. The scanner makes loud noises, so they will wear earplugs. They will fill out an MRI screening form before each MRI.
Participants will also have magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG maps brain activity. It does this by recording the magnetic fields produced by naturally occurring electrical currents in the brain. For MEG, participants will lie down in the MEG room. Their eye movements may be recorded by a video camera.
Participants will have behavior testing. They will practice typing random keys. Then they will repeatedly type a custom sequence that they see on a computer screen. Then they will take a 2-hour nap. Then they will type the same sequence again.
Participants will have no more than 4 visits at the NIH over 3 months. Visits will last 2-4 hours each.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
* HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS:
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Age 18-35 (Arm 1) or 50-80 (Arms 2).
* English speaking.
* Clear right-hand dominance (\>74 on Edinburgh Handedness Inventory).
* Normal neurological examination as determined by the screening clinician.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
* HCPS affiliated NIH staff (i.e. - staff from our section).
* Current pregnancy.
* Contraindications for MRI or MEG.
* Use of sleep medications within 24 hours of Experimental Session participation.
* Severe or progressive neurological, psychological or medical condition as determined by the screening clinician.
STROKE PATIENTS:
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Age 18 or older
* Willing and able to provide consent
* Experienced a stroke 6 months ago or more that affected at least one of the upper extremities at time of stroke diagnosis
* Ability to perform the study task as assessed during physical examination
* English-speaking
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
* HCPS-affiliated NIH staff (i.e. - staff from our section).
* Current pregnancy
* History of large stroke lesions in brainstem or cerebellum as determined by screening clinician
* Severe or progressive neurological disorder other than stroke (e.g., Parkinson s disease or multiple sclerosis) as determined by the screening clinician
* Uncontrolled heart, lung, kidney, gastrointestinal, metabolic, psychiatric, sleep, or endocrine disorders as determined by the screening clinician
* Contraindications for MRI or MEG.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
The primary endpoint measure is the degree to which motor skill consolidation (i.e., offline change in correct sequence typing speed) is predicted by replay rates during wakeful rest and sleep, and spindle rates during sleep (i.e. multiple r...
Timeframe: 4 years
Trial details
NCT IDNCT04312126
SponsorNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)