RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

LAnguage-Motor Imagery Circuits to Improve Motor Learning and Language Comprehension

This study is investigating how our brains connect language and movement. Scientists already know that our thinking isn't neatly separated, and different parts of our brain work together. For example, doing physical activities like sports can make it easier to understand words related to action, while difficulties with movement might make it harder to understand those same words. Similarly, understanding action words can actually affect how well we move. This happens because our brains automatically try to imagine the action when we hear or read about it. This research aims to understand if imagining an action and reading about an action use the same brain processes. The findings could lead to new ways to help people learn new skills or recover from injuries.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Grenoble

Enrolment target

105

Start

27 Jul 2024

Estimated completion

26 Jul 2028

Corticospinal Excitability Cortical Activation

What is this study about?

This research project is looking into a fascinating connection in our brains: how language, like reading about an action, affects our ability to move, and vice versa. It's often thought that different parts of our brain work separately, but scientists are finding that many of our brain functions are actually linked together, forming broader networks. This study specifically explores how our understanding of language and our brain's control of movement are intertwined.

Imagine you read the word "kick." Your brain probably doesn't just process the letters; it might also subtly activate the parts of your brain that would make you kick. This is called 'motor imagery' – it's like a mental rehearsal of an action without actually moving. The study is particularly interested in whether this mental rehearsal, triggered by action words, is similar to when we actively imagine performing an action ourselves. Understanding these links better could open up new ideas for improving our brains' ability to learn new things or even help people recover from conditions affecting movement or language.

By carefully studying how these brain systems interact, this project aims to provide important insights. For instance, if reading about actions helps strengthen the brain's motor pathways, it could pave the way for new therapies or learning techniques. This research is about enhancing our fundamental understanding of how the brain works, with the potential for real-world applications in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores brain links between language and movement.
It investigates how imagining actions or reading action words affects brain activity.
Participation involves safe brain imaging techniques like MRI and TMS.
The findings could help improve learning and recovery in the future.
You need to be a healthy, right-handed adult who understands French.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be a healthy adult between 18 and 40 years old. You must be able to read and understand French and be right-handed. It's also important that you are covered by a social security system in France.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include having a serious long-term health condition, such as heart, breathing, kidney, or blood problems, or a history of cancer. You also can't be taking certain medications regularly, like those for anxiety, depression, or certain mental health conditions. If you have a diagnosed mental health condition or have recently had alcohol before the tests, you wouldn't be eligible.

Finally, if you have any medical conditions that would prevent you from having an MRI scan or a different type of brain scan called TMS, you wouldn't be able to participate. You will be asked to complete a health questionnaire to ensure your safety for these procedures.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 40 years old?
Are you generally healthy, without serious long-term medical conditions?
Do you speak and understand French fluently?
Are you right-handed?
Are you not taking regular medication for anxiety, depression, or other serious mental health conditions?
Do you not have any metal implants or other reasons why you couldn't have an MRI or TMS scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves a few tests to see how your brain responds to language and movement tasks. These may include brain recording techniques like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), which are common research tools. You won't be given any medication as part of this study. The researchers will explain exactly what each test involves and how long it will take, but the brief description suggests it involves three main experimental sessions.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research studies like this helps scientists understand more about how the brain works, which could benefit many people in the future. While there's no direct personal health benefit for you from this study, you'll be contributing to important scientific knowledge. The procedures, such as MRI and TMS, are generally safe and commonly used in research, but like any medical test, there are very rare potential risks, which the research team will explain in detail. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

CHU Grenoble Alpes
Verified postcode
Grenoble, France· Recruiting
Université de Bourgogne
Verified postcode
Dijon, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'motor imagery'?

Motor imagery is like having a movie playing in your head where you're performing an action, but you're not actually moving your body.

Will I get any medication in this study?

No, this study does not involve taking any medication.

What kind of brain scans will I have?

You might have an MRI scan, which uses magnets and radio waves to look at your brain, and a TMS scan, which uses magnetic pulses to briefly stimulate parts of your brain. Both are safe research tools.

Will I understand the tests if I only speak English?

No, you need to be able to read and understand French to take part in this specific study.

What is the main goal of this research?

The main goal is to understand how our brain connects understanding language (especially action words) with controlling our movements.

How to find out more

Laurent VERCUEIL

lvercueil@chu-grenoble.fr 0476765561 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.