Improving Language After Stroke with Brain Stimulation and Therapy
Electrical Field Guided TMS and Constraint Induced Language Therapy to TreatPost-Stroke Aphasia in the Subacute Stage
This project explores if combining brain stimulation with language therapy can help people regain their ability to speak after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163219 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking at a special type of brain stimulation called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), specifically continuous Theta Burst Stimulation (cTBS), paired with a modified language therapy. Participants who have experienced a stroke recently and have trouble with language will receive either the active brain stimulation or a sham (inactive) version, both combined with language therapy. Our goal is to see if this combination helps improve language skills and to understand how the brain changes during this process. We will also personalize the brain stimulation for each person to make it as effective as possible.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have recently experienced a stroke and are experiencing aphasia, which is difficulty with language.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic aphasia (long after a stroke) or those without aphasia may not receive direct benefit from this specific intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new and more effective way to help individuals recover their language abilities in the critical period after a stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Small studies have shown that TMS combined with speech therapy can improve language in chronic aphasia, and evidence suggests it may be more effective in the subacute stage after stroke.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coslett, H Branch — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Coslett, H Branch
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.