Music and Brain Stimulation for Upper Extremity Performance in Patients With Corticobasal Syndrome

April 9, 2024 updated by: Johns Hopkins University

Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Upper Extremity Performances in Patients With Corticobasal Syndrome

This study is designed to investigate how musical patterns (e.g., patterned sensory enhancement, PSE) and non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS) are effective to improve functional upper extremity performances in patients with corticobasal syndrome (CBS).

20 individuals with CBS will be randomly assigned to either PSE group (n= 10) or PSE+tDCS (n=10) group. Both interventions are 30 minutes long, twice a week for three weeks (a total of 6 sessions). Participants' self-reported and measurable outcomes including upper extremity function, kinematic quantities, quality of life, mood, cognitive level, and brain activity (e.g. electroencephalography, EEG) will be assessed in the baseline, pre- and post- each session, and follow-up phase.

This study seeks to assess the possibility that music-based intervention and non-invasive brain stimulation may improve outcomes in CBS patients for patients' non-invasive but cost-effective rehabilitation settings in the future.

Study Overview

Detailed Description

Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a form of atypical Parkinsonian disorder that shares several features with Parkinson's disease (e.g., rigidity, tremor, and difficulties in balance and coordination). However, CBS additionally includes other motor and highly cortical features such as dyspraxia, dystonia, myoclonus, aphasia, sensory loss, and alien limb. Other features including abnormal eye movements, difficulties in objects recognition, and speech changes can also be revealed. The symptoms of CBS often appear in an asymmetric pattern that only shows on one side of the body. Imaging research has found that CBS is associated with brain atrophy in dorsal neocortical regions and basal ganglia. In particular, widespread frontoparietal cortex atrophy is exhibited in CBS. The frontoparietal network is known to orchestrate accurate, rapid, and goal-directed motor behaviors which are crucial performances in the daily life of humans.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is non-invasive neuromodulation that uses direct electrical currents to stimulate specific brain regions. This painless stimulation has been largely developed as a promising tool for depression, stroke, Parkinson's disease as well as other neuropsychological disorders. Specifically, tDCS over the frontoparietal area has enhanced processing speed and consolidation as well as upper extremity performances.

While tDCS has been applied to modulate a variety of cognitive and motor abilities, studies using tDCS in CBS patients are limited. To the best of the investigators' knowledge, two studies have been investigated on how tDCS modulation over the parietal cortex enhances the performance of an ideomotor apraxia test as well as action observation and representation in CBS. These studies provided potentials of using tDCS as a promising tool for linguistic and sensorimotor deficits in patients with CBS. Intriguingly, previous studies have suggested that tDCS combined with rehabilitative training can enhance motor outcomes. Furthermore, there is a need to better understand the mechanisms and effects of tDCS in real time in order to cater treatment protocols in a patient-specific manner. For this purpose, electroencephalography (EEG) has been proposed. EEG which measures brainwaves in milliseconds will be able to measure neurophysiological responses during tDCS modulation as well as rehabilitation intervention, such as music therapy.

Music has been extensively developed as a therapeutic medium to enhance and/or maintain functional skills based on scientific evidence in neurorehabilitation settings. In particular, the use of musical cueing to facilitate motor and cognitive performance has been widely studied. Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) is one of the Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) interventions to facilitate functional movement patterns and sequences by using tempo, meter, and rhythmic patterns. PSE translates movement patterns into musical patterns to provide spatial, temporal, and force cues. PSE has been employed to improve the functional motor abilities of individuals with stroke, cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease.

Despite the importance of developing non-invasive but cost-effective interventions for CBS, neuro-rehabilitative effects associated with tDCS/EEG and PSE in this population have been less investigated. Therefore, the present study will investigate the effectiveness of PSE and PSE +tDCS on upper extremity performances in individuals with CBS, and EEG will be used to measure neurophysiological responses during sessions. Non-invasive and patient-oriented interventions may have a broad impact on CBS by improving the quality of functional upper extremity performance.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

20

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 89 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients with CBS
  • Age range 18-89
  • Right-handed

Exclusion Criteria:

  • A history of migraines
  • Have a scalp or skin condition (e.g., psoriasis or eczema)
  • Have any metallic implants, including intracranial electrodes, surgical clips, shrapnel or a pacemaker
  • Have had a head injury resulting in a loss of consciousness that has required further investigation
  • Have diagnosed psychological or neurological disorders
  • Have had a seizure
  • Have had adverse effects to previous tDCS or other brain stimulation techniques (e.g., TMS)
  • Pregnancy
  • Inability or unwillingness to follow directions for study procedures

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Triple

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: PSE Only
Participants will exercise their hands, arms, shoulders, and torso with musical cues provided by neurologic music therapist. A simple gross/fine movements and emotional level will be assessed before and after each session. During the session, participants will be measured their brainwaves using electroencephalography (EEG) to understand their neurophysiological responses. Participant's motion will be also captured to acquire kinematic quantities.

Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) is one of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques. NMT is a research-guided clinical model that is driven by advances in neuroscience and the understanding of the perception, production, and performance of music and how music can influence and change non-musical brain and behavior function.

PSE is a technique that uses the rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and dynamic-acoustical elements of music to provide temporal, spatial, and. force cues for movements which reflect functional movements of activities of daily.

Experimental: PSE+tDCS
Participants in this group will proceed with the same procedure as PSE only group, but tDCS modulation will be additionally provided.

Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) is one of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques. NMT is a research-guided clinical model that is driven by advances in neuroscience and the understanding of the perception, production, and performance of music and how music can influence and change non-musical brain and behavior function.

PSE is a technique that uses the rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, and dynamic-acoustical elements of music to provide temporal, spatial, and. force cues for movements which reflect functional movements of activities of daily.

We will apply five small electrodes to participant's head. Once the electrodes are in place, a small electrical current will be passed between the electrodes. Participants will also get "sham" tDCS, which means they will not receive any real stimulation from the electrodes. Most individuals do not find the procedure uncomfortable, and there are no known long-term risks of tDCS. When the current goes through the electrodes, you may feel an itching or tingling sensation under the electrodes or see brief flashes of light, or you may not feel anything at all. If the sensation is unpleasant, participant can report to co-investigator immediately. If participant finds the procedures too uncomfortable, they may stop it at any time. A trained staff member will be present throughout the procedure.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in functional upper extremity performance score as assessed by the WMFT
Time Frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52
Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) is a quantitative index of upper extremity motor ability examinable through the use of timed and functional tasks. The maximum score is 72, and lower scores are indicative of lower functioning levels.
Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52
Change in TOLA score (limb)
Time Frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52

Test of Oral and Limb Apraxia (TOLA) is designed to identify, measure, and evaluate the presence of oral and limb apraxia in individuals with developmental or acquired neurologic disorders. Each of the TOLA subtests produces several part scores. All subtests are scored by summing the scores on individual items that compose the subtest. Scores all responses in all subtests using 4 point (3,2,1,0) scoring system: 3 = normal; 2 = adequate; 1 = partially adequate; 0 = inadequate.

* Limb Total (Items: 40; Max score: 120)

Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52
Change in TOLA score (oral)
Time Frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52

Test of Oral and Limb Apraxia (TOLA) is designed to identify, measure, and evaluate the presence of oral and limb apraxia in individuals with developmental or acquired neurologic disorders. Each of the TOLA subtests produces several part scores. All subtests are scored by summing the scores on individual items that compose the subtest. Scores all responses in all subtests using 4 point (3,2,1,0) scoring system: 3 = normal; 2 = adequate; 1 = partially adequate; 0 = inadequate.

* Oral Total (Items: 20; Max score: 60)

Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52
Change in TOLA score (pictures)
Time Frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52

Test of Oral and Limb Apraxia (TOLA) is designed to identify, measure, and evaluate the presence of oral and limb apraxia in individuals with developmental or acquired neurologic disorders. Each of the TOLA subtests produces several part scores. All subtests are scored by summing the scores on individual items that compose the subtest. Scores all responses in all subtests using 4 point (3,2,1,0) scoring system: 3 = normal; 2 = adequate; 1 = partially adequate; 0 = inadequate.

* Pictures Total (Items: 15; Max score: 45)

Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52
Change in TOLA score (command)
Time Frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52

Test of Oral and Limb Apraxia (TOLA) is designed to identify, measure, and evaluate the presence of oral and limb apraxia in individuals with developmental or acquired neurologic disorders. Each of the TOLA subtests produces several part scores. All subtests are scored by summing the scores on individual items that compose the subtest. Scores all responses in all subtests using 4 point (3,2,1,0) scoring system: 3 = normal; 2 = adequate; 1 = partially adequate; 0 = inadequate.

* Command Total (Items: 30; Max score: 90)

Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52
Change in TOLA score (imitation)
Time Frame: Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52

Test of Oral and Limb Apraxia (TOLA) is designed to identify, measure, and evaluate the presence of oral and limb apraxia in individuals with developmental or acquired neurologic disorders. Each of the TOLA subtests produces several part scores. All subtests are scored by summing the scores on individual items that compose the subtest. Scores all responses in all subtests using 4 point (3,2,1,0) scoring system: 3 = normal; 2 = adequate; 1 = partially adequate; 0 = inadequate.

* Imitation Total (Items: 30; Max score: 90)

Baseline (Day1), Day 24, and Day 52
Changes in number of pegs placed in 30 seconds
Time Frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52
Purdue Pegboard Test (PPBT) involves timed assembly of small items and assesses fine manual dexterity. The total number of pins the subject is scored, and higher scores are indicative of higher fine dexterity level.
Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52
Change in number of blocks transferred from one compartment to the other compartment in 60 seconds
Time Frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52
Box and Block Test (BBT) involves timed transfer of 2.5cm 3 blocks from one container to another and assesses the gross manual dexterity. The total number of blocks transferred from one to the other compartment is scored, and higher scores are indicative of a higher gross dexterity level.
Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Changes in score on cognitive impairment level as assessed by the MoCA
Time Frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 24, and Day 52

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a rapid cognitive screening test that assesses cognitive performance in multiple domains including visuo-spatial and executive functions, naming, memory, attention, language, abstraction, and orientation. Scores on the MoCA range from 0 to 30:

  • > 26 = normal
  • 18-25 = mild cognitive impairment
  • 10-17 = moderate cognitive impairment
  • <10 = severe cognitive impairment.
Baseline (Day 1), Day 24, and Day 52
Change in score on anxiety level as assessed by the STAI
Time Frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52
State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measures two types of anxiety - state anxiety, or anxiety about an event, and trait anxiety, or anxiety level as a personal characteristic. The range of possible scores for the STAI varies from a minimum score of 20 to a maximum score of 80. STAI scores are commonly classified as "no or low anxiety" (20-37), "moderate anxiety" (38-44), and "high anxiety" (45-80).
Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52
Change in score on valence as assessed by the SAM
Time Frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) is a non-verbal pictorial assessment technique that directly measures the pleasure, arousal, and dominance associated with a person's affective reaction to a wide variety of stimuli.

It uses a series of graphic abstract characters horizontally arranged according to a 5 - points scale.

* Valence rating: 1=unpleasant; 2=unsatisfied; 3=neutral; 4 = pleased; 5=pleasant

Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52
Change in score on arousal as assessed by the SAM
Time Frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) is a non-verbal pictorial assessment technique that directly measures the pleasure, arousal, and dominance associated with a person's affective reaction to a wide variety of stimuli.

It uses a series of graphic abstract characters horizontally arranged according to a 5 - points scale.

* Arousal rating: 1=calm (sleepy); 2=dull; 3=neutral; 4=wide-awake; 5=excited (energetic)

Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52
Change in score on dominance level as assessed by the SAM
Time Frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) is a non-verbal pictorial assessment technique that directly measures the pleasure, arousal, and dominance associated with a person's affective reaction to a wide variety of stimuli.

It uses a series of graphic abstract characters horizontally arranged according to a 5 - points scale.

* Dominance rating: 1=independent; 2=powerful; 3=neutral; 4=powerlessness; 5=dependent

Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52
Change in score on depression level as assessed by the BDI-II
Time Frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52

Beck-Depression inventory (BDI-II) measures characteristic attitudes and symptoms of depression. Each of the 21 items corresponding to a symptom of depression is summed to give a single score for the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).

There is a four-point scale for each item ranging from 0 to 3. On two items (16 and 18) there are seven options to indicate either an increase or decrease of appetite and sleep. Total score of 0-13 is considered minimal range, 14-19 is mild, 20-28 is moderate, and 29-63 is severe.

Baseline (Day 1), Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, Day 24, and Day 52
Change in score on quality of life level as assessed by the CBFS
Time Frame: Baseline (Day 1), Day 24, and Day 52

Corticobasal Syndrome Functional Scale (CBFS) is a novel rating scale that evaluates experiences in daily living (EDL), behavioral, language, and cognitive impairments in patients with 4 repeat tauopathies. The CBFS consists of 14 questions on Motor EDL's and 17 questions on Non-Motor EDL's, each of which are rated on a Likert 5 point scale rating function from 0 to 4, where 0 = Normal or No problems and 4 = Severe problems.

Higher scores are indicative of severe problems.

Baseline (Day 1), Day 24, and Day 52

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in power spectrum density of brainwave spectrum (micro-volts-squared per Hz)
Time Frame: Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24

Electroencephalography (EEG) can measure the neurophysiological responses. Analysis of resting EEG prior and after, and during the PSE and/or PSE+tDCS intervention might yield neurophysiological correlates for the observed behavior outcomes. In addition, simultaneous EEG measurements with tDCS will provide a better understanding of the effects of tDCS and PSE in real-time and may help tailor treatment protocols in a patient-specific manner in the future.

Power spectrum density will show the strength of the variations (energy) as a function of frequency. In other words, it shows at which frequencies variations are strong and at which frequencies variations are weak.

Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24
Change in range of motion (degree) of upper extremity performance
Time Frame: Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24
Motion capture analysis: A small (dime-sized) marker will be placed bilaterally (on both sides) on the participant's finger, hands, arms, shoulder, and trunk. Motion capture analysis will provide a degree of range of motion at shoulder, elbow, and wrist during assessments and intervention phases.
Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24
Change in speed (m/s) of upper extremity performance
Time Frame: Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24
Motion capture analysis: A small (dime-sized) marker will be placed bilaterally (on both sides) on the participant's finger, hands, arms, shoulder, and trunk. Motion capture analysis will provide changes in speed/velocity of upper extremity performance during assessments and intervention phases.
Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24
Change in acceleration (m/s^2) of upper extremity performance
Time Frame: Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24
Motion capture analysis: A small (dime-sized) marker will be placed bilaterally (on both sides) on the participant's finger, hands, arms, shoulder, and trunk. Motion capture analysis will provide changes in acceleration of upper extremity performance during assessments and intervention phases.
Day 8, Day 10, Day 15, Day 17, Day 22, and Day 24

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Alexander Pantelyat, MD, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

April 22, 2022

Primary Completion (Estimated)

February 1, 2025

Study Completion (Estimated)

February 1, 2025

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

September 29, 2021

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 29, 2021

First Posted (Actual)

October 11, 2021

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

April 11, 2024

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 9, 2024

Last Verified

April 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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