NIH-funded research R01 grant

Electrical Field Guided TMS and Constraint Induced Language Therapy for Subacute Post-Stroke Aphasia

Official title: Electrical Field Guided TMS and Constraint Induced Language Therapy to TreatPost-Stroke Aphasia in the Subacute Stage

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11362269 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests a targeted brain stimulation plus speech therapy approach to help people with language loss after a recent stroke.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startAugust 7, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$672,187
NIH project number5R01DC021060-03
Project IDNIH-11362269 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with subacute aphasia due to recent stroke who can participate in a structured therapy program and brain stimulation sessions.

Less likely to help

Individuals with aphasia from non-stroke causes, very severe impairments, or contraindications to brain stimulation may not benefit.

What this research studies

In this study, people with aphasia after a recent stroke will receive a personalized form of brain stimulation called continuous Theta Burst Stimulation together with a modified speech therapy program. Participants are randomly assigned to receive real stimulation with therapy or a sham (placebo) stimulation with therapy, over 10 treatment days. Researchers will measure language ability before, right after treatment, and several months later, and will look for brain network changes that relate to response. The goal is to determine if this combined approach improves language function and to understand why it works in the subacute period.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may regain more language ability after a stroke and improve communication in daily life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies suggest potential benefits in chronic aphasia; this trial tests efficacy in the subacute stage with rigorous design.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Coslett, H Branch — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Coslett, H Branch

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.