Can a new method of brain stimulation accelerate re-learning of impaired wrist and hand movements early after stroke?

Recovery of hand function mainly occurs within the first months after stroke. When the damage is not too severe the brain can use redundant resources to overcome the impairments. Some areas of the brain could learn or re-learn the damaged movements and improve the performance of a given task. This learning requires intense task-specific practice. If learning was optimised, mildly affected patients might be able to achieve better recovery of fine hand function.

In this study we will use a new method of brain stimulation called Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) to accelerate learning in mildly affected stroke patients. After TBS patients will practice three simple hand movements for a standard period of time. We expect that with TBS and practice patients will learn to perform the movements correctly and faster, rather than with just practice alone, and that this will improve the performance of complex everyday tasks.

Scientific title: Can Theta Burst stimulation accelerate re-learning of impaired wrist and hand movements early after stroke?

Classification:
Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation

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