Scientists zap brains to unlock secrets of movement
NCT ID NCT00453505
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 6 times
Summary
This completed early-phase study tested how different types of noninvasive brain stimulation—like magnetic or electrical pulses—affect motor function in healthy adults. Over 1,000 participants took part in up to 20 sessions each, with researchers measuring brain activity and movement. The goal was to find the best stimulation settings for future studies in patients with neurological disorders.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- noninvasive brain stimulation (TMS, tDCS, tACS, and nerve stimulation)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could help design better stimulation protocols for treating movement problems after conditions like stroke.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early exploratory study in healthy volunteers, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to patients, and optimal stimulation parameters remain uncertain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States