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Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Enhance Functional Recovery During Chronic Recovery From Upper Extremity Nerve Repair
Sponsor: University of Missouri-Columbia
Summary
This study adopts a strategy that has arisen from basic neuroscience research on facilitating adaptive brain plasticity and applies this to rehabilitation to improve functional recovery in peripheral nervous system injuries (including hand transplantation, hand replantation, and surgically repaired upper extremity nerve injuries). The technique involves combining behavioral training with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)-a non-invasive form of brain stimulation capable of facilitating adaptive changes in brain organization.
Official title: Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Enhance Functional Recovery in Allogeneic Hand Transplant and Heterotopic Hand Replant Recipients
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
180
Start Date
2018-08-15
Completion Date
2025-06-01
Last Updated
2024-06-12
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a portable neurostimulation method that modulates cortical excitability. The technique involves placing two saline-soaked electrodes (anode and cathode) on the scalp and passing a small direct current (1.5 milliamps; mA) between them. Cortex underlying the anode is more easily excited due to lowered thresholds for depolarization of glutamatergic neurons, while thresholds are increased in neurons beneath the cathode, making them less excitable. Sham stimulation is easily implemented, and the technique can be effectively double-blinded.
Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy
In CIMT, patients are required to wear a mitt that restricts use of the unaffected limb while they practice structured tasks and also engage in activities of daily living.
Locations (3)
Christine Kleinert Institute for Hand & Microsurgery
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri, United States
Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, United States