Simple cube puzzle could help doctors gauge brain function at bedside
NCT ID NCT07484048
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested a simpler version of a cube-building puzzle to see if it can be used at a patient's bedside to assess planning and problem-solving skills. Researchers worked with 30 healthy volunteers to identify any practical issues with the new test. The goal is to develop a quick, easy tool for doctors to evaluate thinking abilities in people with brain injuries or other neurological conditions.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a practical bedside test that helps doctors quickly assess a patient's ability to plan and solve problems after a brain injury or stroke.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early feasibility study with only 30 healthy volunteers, not patients. The test may not work well in real hospital settings or provide useful information for clinical decisions.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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30 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Finished
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Apr 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion criteria for the main (non-neuropsychologist) element include: * General population. For convenience at this feasibility study stage this will be largely comprised of colleagues working with GHT, above the age of 18, with no upper age limit. * Have given informed consent having followed the procedure in the protocol * Have the physical/sensory abilities to undertake the test procedures (e.g. use of both hands, adequate vision) * Sufficient English language to be able to follow test instructions Exclusion criteria for the main (non-neuropsychologist) element include: * Under the age of 18 * Refusal/inability to give informed consent * Insufficient English language to be able to follow test instructions * Using cognitive testing as part of their clinical work, or ongoing familiarity with cognitive tests. * Working directly with the main investigator. * Presence of a self-reported cognitive difficulty/neurological condition - not because that in itself would be problematic for test administration or for the information generated, but rather to avoid potential distress to participants were they to find the tests administered challenging. * Presence of any physical/sensory/cognitive difficulty that would confound administration of the tasks, e.g. being partially sighted or having use of only one upper limb * There are no exclusion criteria based on gender identity, ethnicity or handedness. * There are no exclusion criteria relating to medication. Inclusion criteria for the PPI (neuropsychologist) element include: * clinical psychologists in GHT who have or have had a role that involves the administration of cognitive tests * Have given informed consent having followed the procedure in the protocol * Have the physical/sensory abilities to undertake the test procedures (e.g. use of both hands, adequate vision) * Sufficient English language to be able to follow test instructions Exclusion criteria for the PPI (neuropsychologist) element include: * Under the age of 18 * Refusal/inability to give informed consent * Insufficient English language to be able to follow test instructions * Presence of a self-reported cognitive difficulty/neurological condition - not because that in itself would be problematic for test administration or for the information generated, but rather to avoid potential distress to participants were they to find the tests administered challenging. * Presence of any physical/sensory/cognitive difficulty that would confound administration of the tasks, e.g. being partially sighted or having use of only one upper limb * There are no exclusion criteria based on gender identity, ethnicity or handedness. * There are no exclusion criteria relating to medication.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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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Cheltenham General Hospital
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7AN, United Kingdom
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Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 3NN, United Kingdom
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