Using brain stimulation and strategy training to help stroke recovery
Pilot Testing of tDCS and Metacognitive Strategy Training in Chronic Stroke
This study is testing if combining brain stimulation with a special training method can help people who had a stroke improve their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT05248178 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of combining the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in individuals with chronic stroke. The CO-OP method focuses on teaching clients to apply cognitive strategies to improve their daily activities, while tDCS is a non-invasive technique that modulates brain activity to enhance neuroplasticity. Participants will engage in meaningful activities to drive skill learning, with the hypothesis that tDCS will amplify the benefits of CO-OP. The study will assess activity performance improvements in participants who have not received therapy for at least six months post-stroke.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who are more than six months post-ischemic stroke, not currently receiving therapy, and have specific functional goals they wish to achieve.
Not a fit: Patients with severe depressive symptoms, dementia, other neurological disorders, or moderate to severe aphasia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve daily activity performance and quality of life for individuals recovering from chronic stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive effects of both CO-OP and tDCS in improving outcomes post-stroke, suggesting potential for success with this combined approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \>6 months post-ischemic stroke * not currently receiving therapy services * a minimum of four self-identified functional goals Exclusion Criteria: * severe depressive symptoms (\>20 on Patient Health Questionnaire) * dementia symptoms (\<24 on Montreal Cognitive Assessment) * any additional neurological disorders * moderate-severe aphasia (NIH Stroke Scale aphasia scale of greater than or equal to 2) * any tDCS contraindication
Where this trial is running
Columbia, Missouri
- University of Missouri Occupational Therapy Department — Columbia, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anna E Boone, PhD, OTR/L — University of Missouri Occupational Therapy
- Study coordinator: Anna E Boone, PhD, OTR/L
- Email: booneae@umsystem.edu
- Phone: 573-882-7023
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.