Combining brain stimulation with cognitive-motor training for stroke recovery

The Effect of Dual-task Training Combined With tDCS on Cognitive-motor Interference and Related Brain Activity in Stroke Patients

NA · The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT06769672

This study is testing if combining brain stimulation with special training can help stroke patients improve their ability to walk and do other tasks at the same time.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06769672 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with dual-task cognitive-motor training on stroke patients. It focuses on how this intervention can improve dual-task performance during activities like walking and pedaling, which are essential for community ambulation. The study aims to understand the changes in brain activity associated with these tasks and how they relate to cognitive-motor interference experienced by stroke survivors. By addressing these challenges, the research seeks to enhance post-stroke recovery and quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling individuals aged 50 or older who have experienced a stroke more than 6 months prior and can follow instructions.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological disorders, significant comorbidities, or contraindications to the interventions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve walking and cognitive performance in stroke patients, facilitating better reintegration into the community.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of tDCS and cognitive-motor training is a relatively novel approach, emerging evidence suggests potential benefits in similar interventions for stroke rehabilitation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* a diagnosis of stroke, stroke onset of more than 6 months,
* aged 50 or more,
* capable of following verbal and visual instructions,
* having a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score ≥ 22,
* able to walk for 10 meters with/without a mobility aid,
* community-dwelling, unilateral stroke

Exclusion Criteria:

* neurological disorders, gait-precluding pain or comorbidity,
* receiving any formal rehabilitation training,
* contraindications to exercise (e.g., unstable angina),
* contraindications to fNIRS, MRI, and tDCS (e.g., brain skin injury, pacemaker, metal implants in the brain),
* history of seizure or epilepsy,
* color blindness.
* unable to walk with/without a mobility aid while responsing stimulus by the remote control

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke, Cortical Excitability, Dual-task training, Cognitive-motor interference, tDCS

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.