Cerebello-spinal direct current stimulation to improve walking in chronic stroke
Efficacy of Cerebello-spinal Direct Current Stimulation on Functional Mobility in Chronic Stroke Patients
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 |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (João Pessoa, Paraíba and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07073287 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
João Pessoa, Paraíba and 2 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.