The Modulatory Effect of Female Sex Hormones on Spinal Neuroplasticity

Description

The goal of this project is to test our central hypothesis that the spinal cord neuroplasticity in females will be modulated by the level of estradiol concentration. under aim 1 we will determine the influence of estradiol fluctuations on spinal circuit excitability post afferent (sensory) mediated subthreshold motor priming in young healthy females and males. We will use an established repetitive peripheral nerve electrical stimulation with a stimulation intensity below the motor threshold to prime the spinal motor circuits. under aim 2 we seek to characterize the input output property of spinal circuit excitability after descending drive (motor) mediated priming in young healthy male participants. in aim 3 we will examine the influence of estradiol fluctuations on descending drive mediated motor priming in young healthy females.

Conditions

Healthy

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Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this project is to test our central hypothesis that the spinal cord neuroplasticity in females will be modulated by the level of estradiol concentration. under aim 1 we will determine the influence of estradiol fluctuations on spinal circuit excitability post afferent (sensory) mediated subthreshold motor priming in young healthy females and males. We will use an established repetitive peripheral nerve electrical stimulation with a stimulation intensity below the motor threshold to prime the spinal motor circuits. under aim 2 we seek to characterize the input output property of spinal circuit excitability after descending drive (motor) mediated priming in young healthy male participants. in aim 3 we will examine the influence of estradiol fluctuations on descending drive mediated motor priming in young healthy females.

TMSpine: the Modulatory Effect of Female Sex Hormones on Spinal Neuroplasticity

The Modulatory Effect of Female Sex Hormones on Spinal Neuroplasticity

Condition
Healthy
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Dallas

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75390

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.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Ages 18-39 years
  • * Eumenorrheic (regular monthly cycles of 24-35 days)
  • * Moderately active (less than 7 hours of vigorous physical activity per week)
  • * History of pregnancy is allowed if patient is in post-lactation phase
  • * History of musculoskeletal or orthopedic injury of the spine, hip, knee, ankle or foot
  • * History of neurological injury of the peripheral or central nervous system
  • * Current smoker
  • * History of disordered eating
  • * History of stress fracture in the lower limb
  • * History of a connective tissue disorder (Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos disease)
  • * Pacemaker, metal implants in the head and spine region
  • * Pregnancy
  • * On a hormonal contraceptive regimen (oral, transdermal or vaginal)
  • * History of menstrual dysfunction (primary or secondary amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, anovulatory cycles, polycystic ovarian disease)
  • * Started or stopped taking oral contraceptives within the previous 6 months
  • * Exercise vigorously more than 7 hours per week or currently participating in competitive level sports.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 39 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,

Yasin Dhaher, Ph.D., PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Study Record Dates

2025-12-31