Clinical Research Directory

Modulation of Motor Learning Via tDCS in a Dexterous Video Game Task

The purpose of this study is to determine whether "transcranial direct current stimulation" (tDCS) is effective in enhancing learning of complex motor tasks of precision and accuracy that require the simultaneous coordination of both hands. The study will utilize a between-subjects, SHAM controlled design. Subjects will be randomly selected to receive either SHAM (n=26) or a-tDCS (n=26) stimulation and will be blinded to their condition throughout testing. Subjects will complete a total of two testing sessions, separated by \~24 hours. Both sessions will have the subject play the videogame "Guitar Hero", with a single song done for several trials as pre- and post-assessments. The first session will contain a 20-minute practice/stimulation block where subjects practice the guitar task while receiving either "active" or "inactive" stimulation of the motor cortex. The first session will last approximately 75 to 90 minutes whereas the second session will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Unilateral M1 Anodal tDCS to Enhance Learning in a Gross Movement Videogame Task

Virtual reality as a gaming method is being used more regularly due to its immersive environments and total body playability. A few studies have used VR paired with brain stimulation as a clinical treatment for PTSD (van't Wout-Frank et al. 2024), as well as for regaining movement and cognitive abilities following stroke (Cheng et al. 2024; Lima et al. 2024). While a clinical use for VR and brain stimulation is the ultimate goal, there have still been no basic science investigations studying the efficacy of pairing the two. This investigation will be the first in exploring the connection between VR and brain stimulation as it relates to behavioral improvements (learning the game quicker) and eventually the investigators will begin to study the exact cortical changes that facilitate the accelerated learning. The game "Beat Saber" was chosen because it requires the subjects to move their arm in a large 3-Dimensional space and gives a performance metric after each trial to measure improvement

Cranberry Polyphenols and Stress Resilience During Multitasking in Healthy Adults

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluates whether 70 days of daily cranberry juice consumption improves cognitive performance and motor accuracy and reduces psychological and physiological stress responses during a motor-cognitive dual-task multitasking challenge in healthy adults aged 30-55 (Aim 1). It is hypothesized that chronic cranberry juice intake will enhance dual-task performance and attenuate stress reactivity (Hypothesis 1). It is further hypothesized that cranberry juice will mitigate multitasking-related fatigue, mood fluctuations, and cognitive impairment, accompanied by favorable changes in circulating stress biomarkers and stress-regulatory neurochemical pathways (Aim 2/Hypothesis 2). Finally, the study incorporates gut analysis to determine whether cranberry juice induces beneficial shifts in the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites (e.g., SCFAs) and whether these changes are associated with improved cognitive and stress-related outcomes, consistent with a microbiome-gut-brain axis mechanism (Aim 3/Hypothesis 3).

Physical Activity Trends in Cancer Survivors Treated at the 'MOvement and REhabilitation' Clinic

An active lifestyle after a cancer diagnosis can reduce the side effects of treatment and improve quality of life, mental health, and survival. Recent evidence in the literature confirms its benefits across various types and stages of cancer. However, the majority of cancer patients do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity due to physical, psychological, and logistical barriers. It is essential that healthcare professionals provide motivational support and address individual barriers to physical activity through the active involvement of patients, thus promoting the adoption and maintenance of an active lifestyle. To achieve this, personalization of physical activity programs is crucial. For this reason, the MOvement \& REhabilitation clinic was established in 2022, where a dedicated physiotherapist provides personalized consultations and educational support to promote physical activity among cancer patients. This study aims to evaluate the trend over time in the amount of physical activity among cancer patients attending the "MOvement and REhabilitation" (MO.RE) clinic. The study also seeks to assess patient engagement, the amount of resources used to help patients maintain an active lifestyle, and any barriers to physical activity.

Physical Activity in Cancer Patients in an Oncology Day Clinic - Implementing a Person-centered Program Led by Nurses

Background: Physical activity has demonstrated benefits in alleviating side effects and improving well-being in people with cancer. However, activity levels remain low during systemic treatment. Nurses are optimally positioned to lead interventions fostering an activity-friendly culture. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential effects of the nurse-led, interprofessionally developed physical activity concept OncoMoveNurse in an outpatient oncology setting. Methods: Using a mixed-methods design over 15 months (10/2024-12/2025), the study includes implementation and evaluation phases. Quantitative data (n=50 patients, collected from 06/2025-09/2025) will assess primary (physical activity behavior) and secondary outcomes (self-efficacy, well-being, mood) via validated PROMs. Qualitative insights will be gathered through digital storytelling (n=2 patients, n=2 nurses) and one focus group (n=8 interprofessional team members). Inclusion criteria for patients include age ≥18, cancer diagnosis, at least three treatments in the day clinic, and sufficient German language skills. Intervention: OncoMoveNurse comprises five adaptable components: modular activity structure, safety framework, communication strategy, a team approach, and person-centered orientation. Supporting materials (e.g., posters, videos, exercise tools) and tailored implementation strategies were co-developed in alignment with core values. Analysis: Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS (paired t-tests, p\<.05); qualitative data via content analysis in MAXQDA. A mixed-methods synthesis will integrate findings. Ethics \& Data Protection: Patient data collection will commence following ethics approval. All data are anonymized, stored securely, and handled in accordance with Swiss data protection laws. Conclusion: This study will provide insights into the feasibility of nurse-led physical activity promotion in outpatient oncology and inform future outcome evaluations.

rTMS to Improve Motor Function in Autism

In the current project, investigators have two main goals: i) Testing whether an excessive plasticity, i.e. hyperplasticity in the motor cortex underlies motor function difficulties in autistic adults, and ii) Using repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) with autistic adults to examine whether resulting reduced hyperplasticity in the motor cortex will be associated with clinical improvements in the motor function.

Implementation of IVS3 for Upper Limb Motor Recovery

This study measures participant satisfaction and upper extremity function in outpatients with chronic stroke when exposed to the IVS3 device. Investigators hypothesize that treatment with the IVS3 device will be feasible and tolerable for use in the outpatient setting.

REpeated ASSEssment of SurvivorS in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Study

The investigators propose to perform serial detailed cognitive, motor, behavioral, and blood collection follow-up using longitudinal structured telephone interviews of an anticipated 350 ICH survivors enrolled in Minimally Invasive Surgery Plus Alteplase for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation (MISTIE) III and ENRICH trials to identify specific cognitive and motor impairment and to perform RNA sequencing to evaluate for evidence of chronic inflammation. The investigators' expected sample size in 2022 accounts for mortality attrition of 10%/year.

A Good Start Matters Intervention Study

The BC government and partners developed Active Play Standards and a capacity-building strategy to help childcare centers implement the Standards. We have developed an intervention to supplement the governmental capacity-building strategies. The intervention is comprised of implementation support strategies targeted at childcare providers in BC that will aid with the sustainment of Active Play best practices at their facilities. The impact of the intervention will be assessed by measuring its impact on a) change in practices with respect to Active Play; and b) improving child-level outcomes (children's physical activity, sedentary behavior, and motor skill competencies). The findings will inform future policies and enhance our understanding of how policy action supported by communication, capacity-building, and sustainment strategies influence the environment of childcare centres.

Variability of Healthy People and People After Stroke Results in the Box and Block Test

Main aim of the study is to find out how many attempts of each subtest in the Box and Block Test should be done in clinical practice during testing people after stroke who are 20-64 years old.

The Reliability of the Box and Block Test in People After Stroke

The main aim of the pilot project is to establish inter-rater reliability, internal variability and variability of results got in Box and Block Test administered according to the new Czech extended version of its manual.

The Reliability of the Nine Hole Peg Test in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

The main aim of the project is to establish inter-rater reliability, internal variability and variability of results got in two different ways of the Nine Hole Peg Test administered according to the new Czech extended version manual in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Establishing of the Reliability of the Purdue Pegboard Test in Adults After a Stroke

The main aim of the pilot project is to establish inter-rater reliability, internal variability and variability of results got by testing adults patients after a stroke by the use of Purdue Pegboard Test administered according to the new Czech extended version of its manual.