Brain Vital Signs M-Score: Point-of-care Monitoring for Motor Recovery After Stroke

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to investigate brain signals relating to motor function, using electroencephalography (EEG) technology. The aims of the study can be separated into 3 specific study objectives: Record EEG data from control participants and individuals with stroke during basic motor tasks and build a database of EEG signals to enable analysis of motor control. Apply signal processing algorithms to extract EEG features related to motor control. Develop a framework/the motor score (M-Score) that uses the EEG signals, in combination with machine learning approaches, to quantify motor control ability.

Official Title
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Brain Vital Signs M-Score: Point-of-care Monitoring for Motor Recovery After Stroke

Conditions
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Stroke

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Recording of electroencephalographic (EEG) data


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age requirements: Younger adult control participants (19-40 years old) Older adult control participants (41-80 years old) Individuals with stroke (19-80 years old) Capacity to follow single stage commands Stroke specific inclusion criteria Upper-limb disability as a result of a stroke (>1 month ago) Exclusion Criteria: Cognitive difficulties that undermine ability to give informed consent (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score below 23). Severe paralysis such that the participant cannot perform simple movements (such as finger tapping, clicking a mouse, etc.) History of head trauma, a major psychiatric diagnosis, neurodegenerative disorder or substance abuse

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 19 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Individuals with stroke<br>Participants in sub-acute and chronic phases post-stroke (>1 month post-stroke) will be recruited for participation in this study. | Other: Recording of electroencephalographic (EEG) data<br>* Non-invasive brain activity will be measured with electroencephalography (EEG). EEG uses scalp sensors to monitor the brain's electrical activity. EEG sensors are placed on the scalp and passively record neural activity with high time resolution.<br>|
| Adult control participants<br>Even age distributions will be recruited in the adult control group, stratified under 40 years old and over 40 years old. | Other: Recording of electroencephalographic (EEG) data<br>* Non-invasive brain activity will be measured with electroencephalography (EEG). EEG uses scalp sensors to monitor the brain's electrical activity. EEG sensors are placed on the scalp and passively record neural activity with high time resolution.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Resting state EEG measures | EEG uses scalp sensors to monitor the brain's electrical activity. EEG sensors are placed on the scalp and passively record neural activity with high time resolution. The principal recording system for this study will be a 32-channel g.Nautilus EEG system (g.tec medical engineering). Secondary recording systems may be used: 8-channel g.Nautilus EEG system (g.tec medical engineering) and 64-channel, high-density BrainAmp EEG system (BrainProducts).Participants will be seated while wearing the EEG cap and asked to sit quietly with either eyes open (with a fixation dot or cross to reduce eye movements) or eyes closed. Resting state recordings will be approximately 5-10 minutes in length. | 1 day | 
| Motor task EEG measures | While completing EEG scans, participants will be asked to execute simple motor movements. . Study will focus on finger tapping task (with mouse-like button for recording movement timing). Participants will be asked to complete self-paced movements with approximately 10-15 second inter-trial spacing. Recording will occur in two-minute intervals, followed by a rest period, repeated until approximately 40 trials have been collected. Other motor movements, such as flexion of the upper limbs or flexion of the lower limbs, may also be considered. During EEG recordings changes in motor oscillations (alpha, beta, & gamma range) will be analyzed. During EMG recordings, muscle tonicity/spasticity and functional firing patterns will be analyzed. | 1 day | 
| Imagery task EEG measures | During EEG recording participants could be asked to engage in mental imagery of motor movements stated above. Here, potential changes in oscillatory patterns in the motor cortex will be measured and detected. | 1 day | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Wolf Motor Function Test | The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) quantifies upper extremity motor ability using timed functional tasks. | 1 day | 
| Fugl-Meyer Assessment | The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) is a performance-based impairment index designed to assess motor functioning, balance, sensation and joint functioning in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. | 1 day | 
| Box-and-Block Test | This test is used to quantify the gross manual dexterity of each hand and arm. | 1 day | 
| Nine-Hole Peg Test | This test is used to quantify the fine manual dexterity of each hand and arm. | 1 day |