Targeted high-definition tDCS plus rehab for improving hand movement after stroke
Official title: Optimal Targeted High-definition tDCS for Reducing Post-stroke Upper Limb Motor Impairments
Run by Carle Foundation Hospital · NCT07599774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a personalized, targeted high-definition tDCS plus rehabilitation can improve upper-limb function in adults who have had a stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Carle Foundation Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Urbana, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07599774 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 and older with a unilateral stroke causing substantial upper-limb motor impairment and no severe sensory or contracture issues.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with very severe impairment, significant comorbidities, or contraindications to non-invasive brain stimulation may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot trial investigates whether combining individualized, optimized high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation with standard rehabilitation is feasible and safe for people with hemiparetic stroke. Participants will receive one of three interventions: sham stimulation, optimal high-definition tDCS, or a modified constraint-induced movement therapy, alongside rehab activities. The goal is to determine if the targeted stimulation approach can enhance neuroplasticity and improve motor outcomes in the paretic upper limb. The study will enroll about 16 adults with chronic motor impairment due to stroke and will assess feasibility, safety, and preliminary effects. Imaging data from recent brain scans will be used to tailor stimulation targets to each participant’s brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience greater improvements in hand and arm function after stroke when combined with rehabilitation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests non-invasive brain stimulation can aid recovery after stroke, though optimal, individualized targeting is still being explored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must be 18 years or older * Must have had a stroke that resulted in paresis confined to one side. The use of a wheelchair or other assisting devices are not exclusionary. * Must have substantial motor impairment of the paretic upper limb * Absence of severe wasting or contracture or significant sensory deficits in the paretic upper limb * Absence of severe concurrent medical problems (e.g. cardiorespiratory impairment) * Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Score of 8-50 based on assessment performed during the baseline visit. * Must have had either MRI or CT of the brain performed at Carle as part of their stroke care. Imaging may have been performed either during the diagnostic work-up for stroke or as follow-up after diagnosis. The most recent images from either MRI or CT will be collected for this study. * Capacity to provide informed consent and participate in English (Since this study is a clinical trial and the team is yet to provide the translation service at this stage, the study is restricted to those who can consent and participate in English only). * Must be willing and able to perform study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Self-reported sensitive skin or adhesive allergy as assessed by the tDCS Safety Screening Questionnaire * Has a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator or an implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy device * Has metal implants in the head and/or brain * Presence of muscle tone abnormalities and motor or sensory impairment in the non-paretic limb * Presence of severe muscle wasting or contracture or significant sensory deficits in the paretic upper limb * Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study period * History of epilepsy, febrile convulsion, recurrent fainting spells or unexplained recurring headaches * Current use of illicit/recreational drugs * Currently undergoing anti-malarial treatment. (Note: participants can be considered for study participation after ant-malarial treatment has been discontinued) * Has known adverse reaction to TMS or tDCS
Where it's running
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Carle Foundation Hospital
Urbana, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yuan Yang, PhD, MS
- Email: yuan.yang@carle.com
- Phone: 217-244-5870
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Video therapy to help leg movement after stroke
A pilot study tests whether intensive video therapy added to usual rehabilitation can boost lower-limb recovery in people a month to a year after stroke.
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Combining visual and proprioceptive feedback during motor imagery after hemiparetic stroke
This test will see if using a computerized mirror and tendon vibration during motor imagery changes brain activity in adults with hemiparetic stroke.
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Using targeted brain stimulation to improve upper limb movement after stroke
This study tests whether a special type of brain stimulation can help improve arm movement in people who have had a stroke.
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.