Using electrical stimulation and therapy to improve language after a stroke
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-10803640 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of brain stimulation combined with a speech therapy can help people with language difficulties after a stroke, and it’s for anyone who has aphasia and wants to improve their communication skills.
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 start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $687,674 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021060-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10803640 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing subacute aphasia following a stroke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the subacute stage of aphasia or those with chronic aphasia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the combined effects of continuous Theta Burst Stimulation (a type of electrical stimulation) and a modified form of Constraint Induced Language Therapy on patients with aphasia following a stroke. The study will involve 63 participants who will be randomly assigned to receive either the active treatment or a sham treatment over a period of 10 days. Evaluations will be conducted before treatment, shortly after, and again four months later to assess improvements in language function. The approach aims to personalize treatment based on individual brain responses and identify predictors of success.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance language recovery in stroke patients suffering from aphasia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using TMS for chronic aphasia, but this approach in the subacute stage is relatively novel.
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.
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Neural signals linked to recovery from aphasia after stroke
This grant follows people who recently had a stroke and aphasia to understand why some recover language abilities better than others.
-
Computational modeling of language in bilingual adults after stroke and with neurodegenerative conditions
A computer-based study will model how bilingual Spanish-English speakers experience language changes after stroke and with neurodegenerative disorders, to inform better care for affected patients.
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Restoring speech with a brain implant for stroke-related aphasia
A study at UC Davis aims to help people who have language trouble after a stroke by using a tiny brain implant to turn brain signals into spoken words.
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Predicting language recovery after stroke using AI
A new AI-based project uses brain scans and personal data to forecast how aphasia may progress after a stroke, with the goal of guiding personalized treatment.
-
Neural signals of getting speech back after stroke
This grant studies how the brain changes as people recover speech after a stroke, to help predict and improve language recovery.
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How the brain recovers language after a stroke
This research follows people with aphasia after stroke to find brain and behavior signs that predict who will regain speech and language.
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.