Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve heart-autonomic function after stroke
Official title: The Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Patients With Stroke
Run by Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University · NCT07482501 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test adds rTMS to usual neurological rehabilitation to see if it improves heart rate variability, autonomic symptoms, arm strength, and quality of life in people at least three months after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 35 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Afyonkarahisar) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 26, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07482501 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are medically stable adults aged 35–80 who are at least three months post-stroke, admitted for neurological rehabilitation, and able to follow commands and attend regular sessions at the study site.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with serious cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypertension, epilepsy or seizure risk, intracranial or inner ear metallic implants, recent surgery or fracture on the affected side, active infection, or pregnancy are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-site interventional study compares an active rTMS protocol targeted to the motor cortex with a sham rTMS protocol, both given alongside conventional neurological rehabilitation. Participants are adults 35–80 years old who are at least three months post-stroke and medically stable. Outcomes include heart rate variability, autonomic symptom scores, upper-extremity muscle strength, and quality of life measures. The intervention is a non-invasive neuromodulation approach intended to promote neuroplasticity and potentially restore central autonomic network function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding rTMS could improve heart rate variability, reduce autonomic symptoms, and enhance arm strength and quality of life after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Small pilot studies have reported that rTMS can alter autonomic measures like heart rate variability, but evidence specifically for post-stroke autonomic dysfunction remains limited and preliminary.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants aged 35-80 years admitted to the Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Hospital Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit for neurological rehabilitation after stroke * Participants with a history of stroke of at least 3 months * Neurologically and medically stable participants willing to participate regularly in the study * Participants capable of following commands Exclusion Criteria: * Serious cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypertension * Epilepsy or history of antiepileptic drug use * Intracranial metallic implants * Inner ear implants * Malignancy * Active infection * Skin infection or open wound in the intervention area * Brain lesions or medications that may alter the seizure threshold * Increased intracranial pressure * Uncontrolled migraine * Fracture or surgery on the hemiplegic side within the last 6 months * Pregnancy
Where it's running
-
Afyonkarahisar Health Science University
Afyonkarahisar, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: ülkü demir
- Email: ulkudemir_44@hotmail.com
- Phone: 5423541114
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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.