Using brain stimulation to improve language skills after a stroke
Official title: Transcranial alternating current stimulation to enhance language abilities
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10906967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gentle brain stimulation technique called tACS can help people who have had a stroke improve their language skills, working alongside regular therapy to make recovery easier and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $138,106 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DC021234-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906967 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced a stroke and are facing challenges with language production or comprehension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a stroke or do not experience language impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) as a noninvasive technique to enhance language recovery in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study aims to explore how tACS can improve the effectiveness of traditional behavioral interventions for aphasia, a common language impairment following a stroke. By systematically evaluating the impact of tACS on language abilities, the research seeks to develop a more efficient and accessible treatment option for patients. Participants will receive tACS alongside standard care to assess improvements in their language skills over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for individuals with language impairments due to stroke, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While tACS has shown promise in other neurological and psychiatric conditions, its application specifically for enhancing language recovery in stroke patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harvey, Denise Y — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Harvey, Denise Y
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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.