Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Morning Activation to Boost Mood After Stroke

Official title: Morning Activation to Improve Mood After Stroke

Run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT07719517 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A six-week behavioral program is tested to see if it helps mood and daily functioning in adults who had a stroke and feel depressed or slow to get going in the morning.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 15, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 2026
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedJuly 22, 2026
Trial IDNCT07719517 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 18+ with prior stroke (>=6 months), PHQ-9 >= 10, and morning initiation difficulty who can give informed consent.

Probably not a fit

Individuals with significant cognitive impairment, current severe psychiatric conditions, ongoing psychological therapy for depression, unstable medications, or acute suicidal risk may not benefit or participate.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized trial compares a Morning Activation Program with a Health Education control in adults at least six months post-stroke who have depressive symptoms. Participants will be randomized, complete assessments before and after the six-week program, and use seven-day monitoring of sleep, activity, and mood to gauge effects. Feasibility measures include retention, attendance, acceptability, and preliminary mood changes to determine if a larger study is warranted.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve morning engagement and mood after stroke, potentially supporting better daily functioning.

How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests behavioral activation and morning-focused strategies can help mood, but this specific combination after stroke is exploratory.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older.
* History of stroke at least 6 months before enrollment.
* Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of 10 or higher.
* Difficulty getting started or engaging in activities in the morning.
* Able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Conditions that would interfere with study participation.
* Neurological condition other than stroke.
* Currently receiving psychological therapy for depression.
* Significant cognitive impairment or dementia.
* Current or past diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or mania.
* Hospitalization that would interfere with study participation.
* Acute or significant suicidal ideation
* Alcohol or substance use problems within the past month.
* Use of antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication unless the dosage has been stable for at least 4 weeks and no changes are planned during the study.

Where it's running

  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Hong Kong, Hong Kong
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.