Cerebello-spinal direct current stimulation to improve walking in chronic stroke
Official title: Efficacy of Cerebello-spinal Direct Current Stimulation on Functional Mobility in Chronic Stroke Patients
Run by Universidade Federal de Pernambuco · NCT07073287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Test whether cerebello-spinal direct current stimulation combined with daily treadmill training improves walking and mobility in people who had a stroke at least six months ago.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (João Pessoa, Paraíba and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07073287 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults at least six months after a stroke who have measurable gait impairment and can communicate, without metallic spinal implants or major orthopedic/rheumatologic conditions, are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
People with metallic spinal implants, major orthopedic or rheumatologic disorders that limit walking, inability to communicate, or those in the acute phase of stroke (<6 months) are unlikely to benefit or may be ineligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, sham-controlled Phase 2 trial delivers cerebello-spinal direct current stimulation (csDCS) together with daily treadmill training for two weeks in people with chronic stroke and gait impairment. Participants are assigned to active csDCS plus treadmill training or a sham procedure plus the same treadmill training, with assessments before, after, and at follow-up. Primary outcomes focus on gait measures and overall functional mobility, and safety and side effects are recorded throughout the study. Eligible participants are adults at least six months post-stroke without metallic spinal implants or major orthopedic/rheumatologic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve walking ability and functional mobility for people living with chronic stroke-related gait problems.
How similar studies have gone: Noninvasive brain and spinal stimulation techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation have shown modest benefits in small post-stroke motor recovery trials, but cerebello-spinal DCS specifically is relatively novel with limited prior data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmation of Stroke by digital or physical imaging or medical report * Gait impairment * Stroke with at least 6 months after ictus Exclusion Criteria: * Metallic implants in spinal cord * Major orthopedic/rheumatological disorders * Inability of verbal or non-verbal communication
Where it's running
-
Federal University of Paraiba
João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil Recruiting -
Federal University of Pernambuco
Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil Recruiting -
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: DANIEL MELO, Bachelor in physical therapy
- Email: gmelodaniel@gmail.com
- Phone: 81995173332
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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.