Neurofeedback treatment for reading difficulties after stroke
Official title: Rehabilitation of Reading Deficits in Subacute Stroke Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Neurofeedback and Motor Imagery
Run by Kessler Foundation · NCT04875936 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new brain training method to help stroke survivors improve their reading skills by using real-time brain feedback.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kessler Foundation Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (West Orange, New Jersey) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 3, 2023 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04875936 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 to 80 who have experienced their first left-hemisphere stroke within the last three months and have reading deficits.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have prior neurological diseases or cannot undergo MRI procedures may 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 project aims to enhance cognitive rehabilitation for reading disorders following a stroke by utilizing a novel brain imaging technique known as real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback. Participants will engage in motor imagery exercises while receiving feedback on their brain activity, allowing them to learn how to modulate their brain function to improve reading capabilities. The intervention focuses on reinstating brain activity in the left hemisphere, which is crucial for language processing, to facilitate better reading recovery in stroke patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve reading abilities in stroke survivors with acquired dyslexia.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of neurofeedback in rehabilitation is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promising results in enhancing cognitive functions, though this specific approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * First-ever left-hemisphere stroke \< 3 months prior to study recruitment or healthy volunteer * Age: 18 - 80 years old * Fluent and literate in English prior to stroke * Reading deficits, defined as \>3 errors on the Paragraphs test (subtests VIII, IX) of the Reading Comprehension Battery for Aphasia-2nd ed. (RCBA-2) in keeping with the healthy control accuracy criterion of 86-100% correct. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to consent or complete study tasks * Inability to undergo MRI (e.g., pregnancy, non-MRI compatible implants, claustrophobia) * A history of prior neurological disease (e.g., brain tumor, Alzheimer's disease)
Where it's running
-
Kessler Foundation
West Orange, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using a computer model to guide treatment for acquired dyslexia
This trial will test whether a computer (neural network) model can predict which of two 60-hour therapies will better help people with new reading problems after a left-hemisphere stroke.
-
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.
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.