Non-invasive brain stimulation to improve hand function in stroke patients
Bifocal Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Targeting the Frontoparietal Network in Stroke Patients to Enhance Network Connectivity
This study is testing if a new type of brain stimulation can help improve hand movement in stroke patients who have trouble using their arms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT06809959 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of bifocal transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on the frontoparietal network in stroke patients who have experienced motor impairments. Using a randomized, controlled, triple-blind, crossover design, participants will receive three types of stimulation: in-phase tACS, out-of-phase tACS, and sham stimulation, with a one-week washout period between sessions. The aim is to modulate neural connectivity between specific brain regions to enhance motor function in the upper limbs of stroke patients during their recovery phase. Electroencephalography and kinematic data will be collected to assess the impact of the stimulation on functional connectivity and motor performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have experienced their first-ever ischemic stroke at least three months prior and have residual upper limb deficits.
Not a fit: Patients with additional neurological or psychiatric disorders, or those with contraindications for tACS, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve hand and arm function in stroke patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tACS in stroke rehabilitation is a promising approach, this specific application targeting the frontoparietal network is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * First-ever clinical stroke * Signed informed consent * First-ever clinical ischemic stroke at least 3 months ago * Stimulation areas (PMv and IPS) are unaffected * Residual deficits in the upper limb Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of additional neurological or psychiatric disorders * Use of psychotropic medication * Pregnancy or potential pregnancy in female participants * Pacemakers, other stimulators, or medication pumps * Claustrophobia * Non-MRI-compatible metallic implants or foreign objects in the body * Contraindications for transcranial alternating current stimulation (e.g., epilepsy, history of seizures, any type of pacemaker)
Where this trial is running
Hamburg
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf — Hamburg, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fanny Quandt, Dr. med. — Deparment of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
- Study coordinator: Fanny Quandt, Dr. med.
- Email: f.quandt@uke.de
- Phone: +4974100
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.