Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Spectral Characteristics of Memory Transformation

United States30 participantsStarted 2023-07-01

Plain-language summary

Sometimes, it is necessary to re-learn a previously learned movement behavior, for example, a bad posture during the golf drive or while playing the piano. Unlearning or relearning an intensively trained behavior is particularly important if the behavior is hampering recovery, for example, in chronic pain or after a stroke. With this pilot study, the brain mechanisms that control the change of pre-existing stable memories of a motor skill will be tested with electroencephalography (EEG). Non-invasive brain stimulation will be used to modulate these brain mechanisms and test if it is possible to change the pre-existing motor memory and the learning of a new motor skill.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older (2/3 of the final sample will be ≥60years of age) * No previous stroke, brain tumor, neurodegenerative disease, or trauma to the head * Ability to give consent for study participation * who have access to a personal computer with internet Exclusion Criteria: * • Pregnancy * Inability to use all ten fingers to type on a standard computer keyboard * Uncorrected vision, hindering perception of visual cues presented on a standard computer screen * Medication use at the time of study that may interfere with learning or the effect of tACS, including but not limited to carbamazepine, flunarizine, sulpiride, rivastigmine, dextromethorphan; * Neuromuscular disorders affecting hand and finger movements necessary for 10-finger keyboard typing * Presence of neurological or psychiatric disorders * Presence of scalp injury or disease * Prior history of seizures * Prior intracranial surgery * Prior brain radiotherapy * Prior history of intracranial tumor, intracranial infection, or cerebrovascular malformation * Metal in head or neck * Contraindications to MRI (such as severe claustrophobia, implanted medical devices)

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

Behavioral: interference rate

Timeframe: before - after one single intervention (1 hour)

Neural: brain connectivity change

Timeframe: before - after one single intervention (1 hour)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05946616

SponsorMedical University of South Carolina

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-08-31

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