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Observational Study on Naps and Motor Learning in Stroke Patients and Healthy Volunteers

This study is looking into how daytime naps might help people learn and remember new motor skills. Researchers are using an MRI system (a machine that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and structures inside the body) and a MEG system (a machine that measures magnetic fields produced by electrical currents in the brain) to observe brain activity. They want to see if the brain's 'replay' of memories during rest and sleep, and specific brain wave patterns called 'spindles' during sleep, can predict how well someone improves their typing speed after learning a new skill. The study includes healthy adults aged 18-35 and 50-80, as well as English-speaking adults aged 18 and older who have had a chronic stroke. The main goal is to understand how these factors contribute to motor skill improvement over 4 years.

Study design
This is an observational study involving 199 participants, including young healthy subjects, older healthy subjects, and patients with chronic stroke.
What's involved
Participants will undergo screening, which includes a medical history, neurological history, medicine review, and medical exam. The study involves using an MRI system and a MEG system.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint, motor skill consolidation, will be measured at 4 years.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04312126

The Beneficial Effects of Naps on Motor Learning

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18–80Observational
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
~199 participants
Updated 2026-08-18 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:MRI systemMEG system

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
The primary endpoint measure is the degree to which motor skill consolidation (i.e., offline change in correct sequence typing speed) is predicted by replay rates during wakeful rest and sleep, and spindle rates during sleep (i.e. multiple r...
Measured over 4 years

Conditions

Stroke

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Stroke

NCT04312126

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    Bethesda, Marylandstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Leonardo G Cohen, M.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Who to contact

Tasneem F Malik, C.R.N.P.
[email protected]
(301) 496-4000
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18-35 (Arm 1) or 50-80 (Arms 2).
English speaking.
Clear right-hand dominance (\>74 on Edinburgh Handedness Inventory).
Normal neurological examination as determined by the screening clinician.
Age 18 or older
Willing and able to provide consent
Experienced a stroke 6 months ago or more that affected at least one of the upper extremities at time of stroke diagnosis
Ability to perform the study task as assessed during physical examination
English-speaking

Exclusion

HCPS affiliated NIH staff (i.e. - staff from our section).
Current pregnancy.
Contraindications for MRI or MEG.
Use of sleep medications within 24 hours of Experimental Session participation.
Severe or progressive neurological, psychological or medical condition as determined by the screening clinician.
HCPS-affiliated NIH staff (i.e. - staff from our section).
Current pregnancy
History of large stroke lesions in brainstem or cerebellum as determined by screening clinician
Severe or progressive neurological disorder other than stroke (e.g., Parkinson s disease or multiple sclerosis) as determined by the screening clinician
Uncontrolled heart, lung, kidney, gastrointestinal, metabolic, psychiatric, sleep, or endocrine disorders as determined by the screening clinician
Contraindications for MRI or MEG.

What this trial measures

  • The primary endpoint measure is the degree to which motor skill consolidation (i.e., offline change in correct sequence typing speed) is predicted by replay rates during wakeful rest and sleep, and spindle rates during sleep (i.e. multiple r...4 years

    The primary endpoint measure is the degree to which motor skill consolidation (i.e., offline change in correct sequence typing speed) is predicted by replay rates during wakeful rest and sleep, and spindle rates during sleep (i.e. multiple regression model with 3 predictors).