Brain stimulation to help post-stroke walking and motor learning
Official title: Effect of Brain Stimulation on Locomotor Skill Acquisition in Stroke
Run by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston · NCT06191549 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation (a-tDCS) can help stroke survivors learn walking-related tasks and improve walking function, and compares results with healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Galveston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06191549 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 21–90 with a unilateral stroke ≥6 months prior and specific lower-extremity motor impairments who can walk 10 meters with or without assistive devices.
✕Probably not a fit
Stroke participants who do not respond to brain stimulation or have exclusionary brain findings may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study uses anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) to see if it enhances locomotor skill learning in people who have had a stroke, compared with sham stimulation and no stimulation. It also compares learning and neural responses across stroke participants and healthy young and older adults. The research includes a four-week visuomotor stepping training paired with brain stimulation to assess longer-term gait improvements in chronic stroke. Outcomes focus on motor learning rates, functional performance, and brain activity related to learning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve rehabilitation outcomes for stroke survivors by speeding motor learning and enhancing gait.
How similar studies have gone: Prior non-invasive brain stimulation studies have shown potential in enhancing motor learning, but results vary by population and task.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 21 and 90 years * Medical history of a unilateral stroke occurring ≥ 6 months prior to enrollment * MRI or CT evidence from the imaging report shown that the stroke involves the corticospinal tract * Hemiparesis involving the lower extremity (Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Motor Test) * No passive range of motion limitation in bilateral hips and knees * Limitation of ankle passive range of motion to 10 degrees of dorsiflexion or less * Visual acuity can be corrected by glasses or contact lens to 20/20 * Able to walk independently with/without assistant devices for 10 meters * Able to maintain standing position without any assistance \>= 30 sec (Short Physical Performance Battery) * Evaluation of cognitive status: Mini-mental status examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24 Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women * MRI or CT evidence of involvement of the basal ganglia or cerebellum, evidence of multiple lesions, or evidence of any other brain damage or tumors * Have any metal implants, cardiac pacemakers, or history of seizures * Ongoing orthopedic or other neuromuscular disorders that will restrict exercise training * Any vestibular dysfunction or unstable angina * Significant cognitive deficits (inability to follow a 2-step command) or severe receptive or global aphasia
Where it's running
-
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shih-Chiao Tseng, PhD — University of Texas
- Study coordinator: Shih-Chiao Tseng, PhD
- Email: shtseng@utmb.edu
- Phone: 409-772-9555
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.