Using brain network properties to improve non-invasive brain stimulation after stroke
Evaluation of Cortico-Cerebellar Network Properties As Biomarkers for the Responsiveness to Cortico-Cerebellar Brain Stimulation in Stroke Patients
This study is testing if understanding brain network differences can help improve brain stimulation treatments for people who have had a stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 81 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamburg, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT05560724 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI or tDCS, severe cognitive deficits, or active psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using neuroimaging to guide brain stimulation therapies, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hamburg, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg
- 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
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.