Prehabilitation and rehabilitation for brain tumor patients

Joan Ribas Araquistain Program for Research and Therapeutic Innovation in Prehabilitation, Rehabilitation and Comprehensive Approach to the Sequelae of Brain Tumors

Phase 1 Interventional Institut Guttmann · NCT05844605

This study is testing a new approach that combines brain stimulation and training to see if it helps adults with brain tumors get ready for surgery and improve their recovery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInstitut Guttmann Academic / other
Locations1 site (Badalona, Cataluña)
Trial IDNCT05844605 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot feasibility trial investigates the Neuromodulation-Induced Cortical Prehabilitation (NICP) approach for adults with brain tumors who are eligible for neurosurgery. Participants will undergo a structured prehabilitation protocol involving non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, such as TMS and tDCS, combined with motor and cognitive training sessions. The study aims to assess the feasibility of the intervention, including adherence, safety, and patient satisfaction, while exploring the neuroplastic mechanisms that may enhance surgical outcomes. Clinical, neuroimaging, and neurophysiology assessments will be conducted throughout the intervention timeline.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with a brain tumor requiring neurosurgery who can participate in at least 10 sessions of the prehabilitation protocol.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable medical conditions or significant musculoskeletal disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve surgical outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients with brain tumors.

How similar studies have performed: While few case reports have shown positive results with invasive neuromodulation, this non-invasive approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of brain tumour requiring neurosurgery
* ability to undertake at least 10 sessions of prehabilitation protocol
* tumour location posing the patient at risk of developing post-operative neurological deficits, for instance at the level of upper limb motor function and speech production
* ability to understand the general purpose of the prehabilitation program and understand simple instructions
* being willing to participate and sign the informed consent
* being able to sit unassisted for one hour.

Exclusion Criteria:

* any contraindication for magnetic resonance imaging or transcranial magnetic stimulation
* unstable medical conditions
* musculoskeletal disorders that may significantly affect functional training
* pain, depression, fatigue that may significantly affect functional training
* history of alcohol/drug abuse

Where this trial is running

Badalona, Cataluña

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Brain Tumorbrain tumourprehabilitationneuromodulationmotor trainingcognitive training
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.