Using Acu-TENS to Enhance Sleep Quality in Stroke Survivors
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Over Acupoints (Acu-TENS) for Improving Sleep Quality, Cognitive Function, Motor Function and in Post-stroke Patients
This study is testing if a special acupuncture technique called Acu-TENS can help older stroke survivors sleep better and improve their overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Hong Kong and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05623137 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a non-invasive acupuncture technique called Acu-TENS on sleep quality, motor function, and cognition in older adults who have experienced a stroke. Participants aged 55 to 85 with chronic stroke and insomnia will be randomly assigned to receive either Acu-TENS treatment or a placebo for six weeks, alongside a sleep hygiene program. The study aims to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of this approach through a randomized controlled trial design, providing valuable data on its potential benefits for improving quality of life in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 55 to 85 who have suffered a stroke and experience insomnia.
Not a fit: Patients with severe diseases that prevent them from receiving Acu-TENS or those currently on medications affecting outcomes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve sleep quality and overall well-being for older adults recovering from stroke.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel as it specifically targets post-stroke insomnia using Acu-TENS, with no prior studies reported on this specific intervention.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged between 55 and 85 yrs; * diagnosed with stroke by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic scan longer than one year; * able to walk 6-m independently; * scored ≥18 but less or equal than 27 in mini-mental state examination (MMSE); * self-reported poor sleep quality (PSQI, scores ≥ 6) in the past four weeks. Exclusion Criteria: * have a cardiac pacemaker; * have a severe disease that precludes the receipt of Acu-TENS; * are taking medication that may affect measured outcomes; * have skin lesions, infection, or inflammation near selected acupoints; * are participating in other drug/treatment programs.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong and 1 other locations
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Not_yet_recruiting)
- The Hongkong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Shamay Ng, PhD
- Email: Shamay.Ng@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 27664889
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.