Using brain network properties to improve non-invasive brain stimulation after stroke
Official title: Evaluation of Cortico-Cerebellar Network Properties As Biomarkers for the Responsiveness to Cortico-Cerebellar Brain Stimulation in Stroke Patients
Run by Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf · NCT05560724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if understanding brain network differences can help improve brain stimulation treatments for people who have had a stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 81 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamburg, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 17, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT05560724 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 18 who have experienced a first-ever ischemic stroke and have persistent motor deficits in the upper extremity.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to MRI or tDCS, severe cognitive deficits, or active psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates how cortico-cerebellar network properties, derived from neuroimaging, can explain differences in how chronic stroke patients respond to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). By focusing on the cortico-cerebellar network, the research aims to identify potential biomarkers that could enhance the effectiveness of brain stimulation therapies. The study involves both chronic stroke patients and healthy participants to assess inter-subject variability in treatment responses. The goal is to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to more personalized neurorehabilitation strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective non-invasive brain stimulation therapies for stroke recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using neuroimaging to guide brain stimulation therapies, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * patients after first-ever clinical ischemic stroke in the early (\>3 month) or later chronic (\>6 months) stage of recovery * persistent motor deficit of the upper extremity * stroke location: supratentorial * age \> 18 years * written informed consent obtained Exclusion Criteria: * contraindication against MRI \& tDCS * known epilepsy, previous epileptic seizure * electric implants such as brain stimulator * medical history suggesting more than one previous stroke * severe polyneuropathy and peripheral ischemic vascular diseases; only if they critically influence sensorimotor function of the upper limb * any active drug and alcohol abuse * any active and severe psychiatric disease (such as psychosis) * severe cognitive deficits (mini mental state examination, MMSE ≤ 23) * uncontrolled other medical problems (cardiovascular diseases, instable arrhythmia, arthritis)
Where it's running
-
University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Dept. of Neurology
Hamburg, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Robert Schulz, PD Dr. med. — Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
- Study coordinator: Robert Schulz, PD Dr. med.
- Email: rschulz@uke.de
- Phone: 0049-40-7410-0
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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.