Brain stimulation study seeks to unlock motor learning in ataxia
NCT ID NCT05351255
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how people with cerebellar ataxia learn motor skills and whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS can affect that learning. Researchers will measure brain activity and movement in 17 participants. The goal is to better understand the role of the motor cortex in learning after cerebellar damage.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward new ways to improve motor learning and rehabilitation for people with cerebellar ataxia.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study (17 participants) focused on understanding brain mechanisms, not testing a treatment. Results may not lead to any direct therapy.
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
-
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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17 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2022
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * Diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia from cerebellar degeneration * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision * Normal or corrected-to-normal hearing * Meet safety criteria for receipt of transcranial magnetic stimulation Exclusion Criteria: * Extrapyramidal signs on neurologic examination * History of alcohol or illicit drug abuse * Peripheral sensory loss in the arms * Cognitive or attention deficits that interfere with testing, the capacity to understand and follow task instructions, or the capacity to provide informed consent * Orthopedic injury or pain in the arms
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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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Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, 19027, United States
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