Protocol Number: 02-N-0069

Title:

Brain Areas Involved in Temporal Linkage of Bilateral Movements

Number:

02-N-0069

Summary:

This study will use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate how the brain controls bimanual movements (movements of both hands).

Healthy normal volunteers between 21 and 65 years of age may be eligible for this study.

Participants will have a medical history, physical and neurological examinations, and will complete a questionnaire before and after testing. The study consists of two parts: 1) finger movement training and 2) magnetic resonance imaging, as follows:

Part 1 - Finger movement training

Participants will train to do three different finger movements using the index finger of both hands. The fingers will be taped to a device that measures their movement. The movements are:

- Lifting and dropping the index fingers of each hand repetitively and in synchrony (starting and stopping at the same time). The amplitude of finger movements is the same for both hands.

- Lifting and dropping the index fingers of each hand repetitively and in synchrony, but with a different amplitude for each hand.

- Lifting and dropping of the index finger of each hand repetitively, but each with a different amplitude and not in synchrony.

Part 2 - Magnetic resonance imaging

Participants will perform the trained movements during MRI scanning. This diagnostic procedure uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of brain structure and activity. For MRI, the subject lies on a stretcher that is moved into the scanner-a cylinder containing a strong magnet. Earplugs are worn to protect the ears from loud thumping noises that occur with electrical switching of radio frequency circuits. Scanning time varies from 20 minutes to 2 hours, with most examinations lasting 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The subject can communicate with the staff person conducting the test at all times during the scan.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Active Accrual Of New Subjects

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: Yes

Population Exclusion(s): Children

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Sixteen normal volunteers ranging from 21 to 65 will be included.

Normal volunteers would be recruited from people who are registered as HMCS Normal Volunteers.

All subjects participating in MR studies should have a valid Clinical Center Medical Record Number.

Subjects will also be asked to abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before the study.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Normal subjects younger than 21 years and older than 65 will be excluded from the study.

Normal subjects with MRI findings consistent with organic brain lesions such as brain tumors, stroke, trauma or AVMs will be excluded.

Normal subjects with a history of significant medical disorders such as cancers, or requiring continuous treatment with drugs will be excluded.

We will not scan pregnant women. Pregnant women will not be excluded from the EEG arm of this protocol.

Special Instructions: Currently Not Provided

Keywords:

fMRI

Voluntary Movement

Recruitment Keywords:

Voluntary Movement

Healthy Volunteer

HV

Normal Control

Conditions:

Healthy

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Contacts:

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citations:

Ahissar E, et al Transformation from temporal [PMID:10917531]

Andres FG, et al Functional coupling of human [PMID:10355671]

Brinkman J, et al Splitbrain monkeys: cerebral [PMID:4624322]

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department of Networks and Applications, CC.

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Bethesda, Maryland 20892. Last update: 10/16/2004