Combining brain stimulation with cognitive-motor training for stroke recovery
Official title: The Effect of Dual-task Training Combined With tDCS on Cognitive-motor Interference and Related Brain Activity in Stroke Patients
Run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT06769672 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06769672 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other neurological disorders, significant comorbidities, or contraindications to the interventions will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Prof. Marco PANG
- Email: Marco.Pang@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 2766 7156
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke
This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
-
Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery
This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.
-
AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals
This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.
-
Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke
This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.
-
Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2
Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.
-
Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke
In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.
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.