Effects of brain stimulation on ankle control in older adults and stroke patients
Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Different Brain Regions on Ankle Tracking Motor Learning, Motor Adaptation, and Brain Connectivity in Healthy Middle-aged and Older Adults and Patients With Subcortical Stroke
This study is testing whether a type of brain stimulation can improve ankle control in older adults and stroke patients to help them move better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06556043 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on motor learning and adaptation related to ankle control in healthy middle-aged and older adults, as well as patients who have experienced a subcortical stroke. Participants will receive tDCS targeting different brain regions, including the primary motor cortex, posterior parietal cortex, and cerebellar cortex, to assess improvements in ankle tracking and brain connectivity. The study aims to optimize the application of tDCS for neurorehabilitation by comparing the effects of stimulation across these regions. The outcomes will help determine the most effective approach for enhancing motor function in the target populations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy individuals aged 40 to 80 with intact cognitive function and normal ankle strength and range of motion.
Not a fit: Patients with serious neurological conditions, severe musculoskeletal problems, or contraindications for MRI or tDCS may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for enhancing ankle control and reducing fall risk in older adults and stroke patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using tDCS for motor rehabilitation, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Part 1: healthy middle-aged and older adults 1. age between 40 and 80 years old 2. intact cognitive function (MMSE ≧ 27) 3. normal ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor strength (manual muscle strength testing= 5) and passive range of motion (ankle dorsiflexion ≧10 degrees; ankle plantarflexion ≧ 45 degrees) 4. corrected far vision ≥ 0.8 (Landolt C test) and uncorrected near vision ≥ 0.04 (Comprehensive Color Blindness Checklist) Exclusion Criteria: Part 1: healthy middle-aged and older adults 1. having any contraindications for MRI or tDCS; 2. serious or uncontrolled systematic diseases; 3. symptoms or history of neurological diseases, including transient ischemic attack, stroke, epilepsy, history of abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG), meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumors, brain surgery, and sensory disorders, etc.; 4. severe musculoskeletal problems that would affect lower limb functions; 5. visual spatial perception disorders and hearing loss; 6. color blindness; 7. depression and psychiatric disorders; 8. use of any medication that could affect the central nervous system function; 9. drug, substance, or alcohol addiction; 10. those participating in research involving invasive or non-invasive brain stimulation; 11. those deemed unsuitable for MRI or tDCS after evaluation by the attending physician; 12. those affiliated with any research-conducting institution. Inclusion Criteria: Part 2: patients with chronic subcortical stroke 1. aged between 40 and 80 years old; 2. intact cognitive function (MMSE ≥ 27); 3. first-ever onset of subcortical stroke occurring at least 3 months prior to enrollment, with brain lesions involving unilateral subcortical regions only; 4. hemiplegic or hemiparetic; 5. no spatial neglect; 6. able to actively perform at least 5 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion and 10 degrees of ankle plantarflexion with the affected ankle; 7. no excessive spasticity; 8. no severe contracture (passive range of motion ≥ 10 degrees for ankle dorsiflexion and ≥ 20 degrees for ankle plantarflexion) in the affected leg; 9. mild-to moderate disability; 10. can walk independently or under supervision without assistance; 11. corrected far vision ≥ 0.8 (Landolt C test) and uncorrected near vision ≥ 0.04 (Comprehensive Color Blindness Checklist.) Exclusion Criteria: Part 2: patients with chronic subcortical stroke The exclusion criteria will be the same as those listed for healthy participants described in Part 1 except for items (3) and (4). Item (3) will be changed to "(3a) symptoms or history of other neurological diseases, including epilepsy, history of abnormal EEG, meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumors, brain surgery, and sensory disorders, etc." and item (4) will be changed to "(4a) severe musculoskeletal problems of the non-hemiparetic limbs that would affect mobility functions".
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, National Taiwan University — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pei-Fang Tang, PhD — School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
- Study coordinator: Pei-Fang Tang, PhD
- Email: pftang@ntu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886 33668128
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.