RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Cortical Excitability During de Novo Motor Learning

This research is investigating how our brains adapt when we learn a completely new physical skill, like typing for the first time or riding a bike. Researchers are especially interested in whether the brain signals that control movement, called corticospinal excitability, become stronger during this learning process. Previous studies on this topic have had mixed results, so this study aims to clarify if and how these brain signals change. Understanding this could give us important insights into how our brains learn and rewire themselves, which might eventually help people who need to relearn movements after an injury or illness. Participants will take part in different learning sessions, and researchers will measure brain signals and how well they perform the new skill.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Universite du Littoral Cote d'Opale

Enrolment target

Start

25 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Motor Learning Corticospinal Excitability

What is this study about?

Imagine learning a brand new skill, like juggling or a new dance move, completely from scratch. This study wants to understand what happens in your brain when you're first figuring out how to do something you've never done before. Scientists call this 'de novo motor learning'.

Specifically, we're interested in messages sent from your brain to your muscles, which we call 'corticospinal excitability'. Think of it like the strength of the signal your brain sends to tell your body to move. When you're learning something new, does your brain get better at sending these signals? Some past studies have suggested these signals get stronger, while others haven't seen much change. This research aims to get a clearer picture of what's really happening.

By understanding how our brains change and adapt when we learn a new physical skill, we can learn more about how the brain works. This knowledge could eventually be useful for many things, such as helping people who've had a stroke relearn how to move, or improving how we teach people new physical skills in sports or other activities.

Key takeaways

We are studying how the brain changes when learning a new physical skill.
The focus is on how brain signals to muscles become stronger or change.
This research could help improve therapies for movement issues.
Participation involves three sessions of learning a new task and brain measurements.
The study uses a safe technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
You must be healthy, right-handed, and aged 18-35 to take part.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, we are looking for healthy adults between 18 and 35 years of age.

It's important that you are right-handed. You'll also need to be able to understand the study well and agree to take part by signing a consent form.

However, you cannot join if you have any medical conditions that would make a brain stimulation technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) unsafe for you. This might include certain metal implants in your head or a history of seizures. Also, if you are pregnant, you won't be able to take part.

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 35 years old?
Are you right-handed?
Are you in good general health?
Are you not pregnant?
Do you not have any medical conditions that prevent you from having brain stimulation (TMS)?
Are you able to understand the study information and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will come for three separate study sessions. During these sessions, you will learn a new physical skill. Researchers will measure how well you perform the task and also check the activity in your brain, specifically the signals that go to your muscles. These brain measurements will involve a safe and painless technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which uses magnetic pulses. The three sessions will be spread out over time, though the exact intervals aren't specified here. There are no medications involved. We expect the total duration to involve a few visits over a period, but the overall commitment should not be very long.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but it could help us learn more about how the brain works, which might help others in the future. The procedures used, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), are generally considered safe, but like any research, there's a small chance of minor side effects like mild headache. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Eurasport
Verified postcode
Loos, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'motor learning'?

Motor learning is simply how your brain learns to carry out new physical skills, like learning to ride a bike or play a musical instrument.

What does 'corticospinal excitability' mean?

It refers to how easily and strongly your brain sends signals down to your spinal cord and muscles to make them move.

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is a safe and painless way to briefly stimulate small areas of the brain using a magnetic field. It's often used in research to understand brain function.

Do I need to be good at learning new physical skills?

No, you don't need any special skills. The study is about how everyone's brain learns a new activity from the very beginning.

Will I get paid for taking part?

The information provided doesn't mention payment, so it's best to ask the research team directly about any compensation for your time.

How to find out more

Pierre D Morel, Dr

pierre.morel@univ-littoral.fr 0033781692692 Official trial record

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