Effects of tDCS on brain plasticity in treating aphasia
Brain Network Plasticity in Aphasic Patients Associated With Combined Speech Therapy and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
This study is testing if combining a brain stimulation treatment with language therapy can help people with Broca's Aphasia after a stroke improve their speaking skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kowloon) |
| Trial ID | NCT05483556 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the combined effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and language therapy on patients with Broca's Aphasia following a stroke. It is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded pilot study involving ten chronic stroke patients who will receive individualized language therapy for ten days, with one group receiving active tDCS and the other receiving a sham treatment. The study will utilize structural and functional MRI to monitor changes in brain activity and connectivity before, immediately after, and two months post-treatment. The aim is to assess improvements in language production and brain plasticity associated with the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed Cantonese-speaking individuals with a history of a single unilateral left-hemispheric stroke and features of Broca's Aphasia.
Not a fit: Patients with aphasia due to causes other than stroke, or those with other neurological disorders, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery outcomes for patients with aphasia by improving language function through targeted brain stimulation.
How similar studies have performed: While the efficacy of tDCS in aphasia treatment is still being explored, preliminary studies have shown promising results in enhancing language recovery, making this approach both novel and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. History of a single unilateral left-hemispheric stroke, 2. Right handedness 3. Demonstrated features of Broca's Aphasia 4. Cantonese speaker 5. Comprehension sufficient to carry out tasks 6. No history of other neurological diseases Exclusion Criteria: 1. Aphasia due to reasons other than Stroke, Traumatic brain injury 2. Bilateral or multiple brain lesions 3. Wernicke's aphasia and other speech disorders, degenerative, psychiatric or metabolic disorders 4. Deaf, blind, pregnant/ or preparing for pregnancy, cognitive issues, tattoos 5. Have cochlear implants, pacemaker, surgical nails for bone fracture, artificial joints, dental braces, dentures 6. Taking anti-depressant medications
Where this trial is running
Kowloon
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Kowloon, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Min Ney Wong, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Min Ney WONG, PhD
- Email: min.wong@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: (852) 27667268
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.