Transcranial Focused Ultrasound for Motor Recovery After Ischemic Stroke
Official title: Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation in Post-Stroke Motor Dysfunction
Run by Jiangsu Taizhou People's Hospital · NCT07637825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether focused ultrasound can help motor and cognitive recovery in adults after a first ischemic stroke by modulating brain activity and combining EEG/MRI data.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Jiangsu Taizhou People's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taizhou, Jiangsu) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07637825 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 18-75 with a first-ever ischemic stroke, unilateral motor impairment, subacute to recovery phase (21 days to 6 months), and adequate ability to consent and participate in assessments.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to MRI, thalamic infarction, intracranial devices, or unstable medical or cognitive conditions may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This case-control study will enroll 60 ischemic stroke survivors aged 18-75 who are in the subacute to recovery phase (21 days to 6 months since onset). Participants will receive transcranial focused ultrasound neuromodulation or sham stimulation while functional outcomes and neurophysiological signals are assessed with EEG and MRI. The trial aims to identify how activating or inhibiting specific brain regions influences motor and cognitive recovery and to optimize stimulation parameters to enhance rehabilitation. Outcomes will include motor function measures and quality of life, with analyses focused on neural network remodeling and potential neuroprotective mechanisms. Safety monitoring and eligibility criteria are defined to minimize risks related to MRI and intracranial stimulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve motor and cognitive recovery and reduce long-term disability after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in neuromodulation and imaging-guided therapies has shown promise, but this exact tFUS approach with EEG/MRI integration for stroke recovery is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * (1) Patients with a confirmed imaging diagnosis of first-ever ischemic stroke; (2) Unilateral limb motor involvement; (3) Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) grade ≤3 for the upper extremity, Brunnstrom stage II-V, and upper extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE) score between 15 and 60 (inclusive); (4) Age 18-75 years, onset within 21 days to 6 months, in the subacute or recovery phase; (5) Stable vital signs, no consciousness impairment, informed consent provided, ability to cooperate with clinical assessments, and approval obtained from the institutional ethics committee. Exclusion Criteria: * (1) Contraindications to MRI; (2) Infarction involving the thalamus; (3) Risk of intracranial hemorrhage; (4) Presence of intracranial metallic foreign bodies, cardiac pacemakers, or cochlear implants; (5) Unstable medical condition, severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorders rendering the patient unable to comprehend the study or cooperate with assessments; (6) Conditions affecting limb motor function, including fractures, joint contractures, or severe limb spasticity; (7) Current use of medications that alter cortical excitability.
Where it's running
-
Taizhou People's Hospital
Taizhou, Jiangsu, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gaonian Zhao
- Email: zhaogaonian@163.com
- Phone: +86 13951170428
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
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.
-
Remote ischemic conditioning for post-stroke insomnia
A 136-person, randomized study will test whether a non-invasive arm-cuff procedure done twice daily for 90 days can improve sleep after a first ischemic stroke in adults 18–80.
-
Ear-based nerve stimulation to help sleep after a stroke
A device that delivers vagal nerve stimulation through the ear is tested to see if it helps stroke patients in rehab sleep better.
-
Theta Burst Stimulation to Help Stroke Recovery (Upper and Lower Limbs)
This trial tests whether applying theta burst stimulation to the motor cortex, in combination with standard rehabilitation, helps people over 45 who recently had a first ischemic stroke recover arm and leg movement.
-
Preventing another ischemic stroke with a smart bracelet and app
This study tests whether a digital prevention program using a wearable and a mobile app can help people who recently had an ischemic stroke reduce the chance of another stroke and improve risk-factor control.
-
Photon-counting CT to check intracranial stents
This study tests whether ultra-high-resolution photon-counting CT can reliably visualize intracranial stents and detect in-stent restenosis during follow-up of patients with prior stents.
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.