Effects of comp base training with/out TMS on motor and cognition
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effects of Computer -Game Brain Training with or without Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on Cognitive and Motor Performance in Patients with Cognitive Impairment and Stroke
IRAS ID
195462
Contact name
Paul Bentley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, days
Research summary
Stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted and this disruption of the blood flow can be caused by blood vessel obstruction (usually caused by blood clots) or haemorrhage (when the blood vessels are ruptured). Clinically, stroke can give rise to several types of deficits: motor, sensory, cognitive/intellectual, language and emotional deficits/impairments. In terms of cognitive deficits, approximately 70% of patients with stroke known to have experienced cognitive (thinking, learning and related processes) deficits and these deficits may affect one or more of these areas (domains): attention, executive functions, language and memory. Many studies have shown that cognitive deficits experienced by the patients could predict their level of independence in carrying out daily activities in the long run. The activities of daily living as we know comprise a complex series of motor actions and coordination. This complexity requires the involvement of a regulatory system, the component of which, both cognitive and motor systems are governed by and coordinated, for smooth performance of goal – oriented motor actions.
The neural substrates attributed to these cognitive (thinking) and motor systems have been suggested to form a network in the brain. The link between these two networks can be explored via ‘transcranial magnetic stimulation’ (TMS) approach. TMS refers to a painless, non – invasive delivery of magnetic pulses to the brain tissues, bypassing the scalp (and the skull). The localised magnetic ‘field’ created will induce secondary electrical current within the stimulated neurons and physiologically interferes with their activity. Therefore, the changes/ effects produced in the areas attributed to these cognitive – motor systems following motor or cognitive training can be further studied.
Our hypothesis is that the TMS combined with computer – brain training will be able to influence the rate of learning of motor and cognitive skills (i.e. memory, attention, attention control etc.) when applied over a period of three (3) weeks. In total, 100 participants will be recruited in this two – part study. The first part will look at the effects of TMS plus computer brain training task on cognitive and motor performance in stroke, patients with intellectual/cognitive impairments and healthy individuals. The second part is to look for similar changes in the rate of learning between patient and healthy controls without TMS. The study takes about 18 weeks to complete.REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0830
Date of REC Opinion
27 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion