Using brain stimulation to improve language skills after stroke
Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) to Enhance Language Abilities
NA · University of Pennsylvania · NCT06092814
This study is testing whether a type of brain stimulation can help people with language problems after a stroke improve their speaking and understanding skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06092814 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates the use of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to enhance language abilities in individuals with post-stroke aphasia. Participants will receive either active or sham tACS while undergoing various language tests. The study aims to compare the brain responses of individuals with aphasia to those of age-matched healthy controls, focusing on the effects of tACS on language performance and brain activity. The researchers hypothesize that tACS will improve language abilities and alter brain connectivity in those with aphasia compared to controls.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals who have experienced a single left hemisphere stroke and have chronic aphasia.
Not a fit: Patients with significant naming impairment or other neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve language abilities in individuals recovering from stroke-related aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Persons with Aphasia: 1. Presence of aphasia 2. Suffered a single, left hemisphere stroke 3. Stroke ≥6 months old (chronic) at the time of enrollment Inclusion Criteria for Healthy Controls: 1. Right-handedness 2. Must be able to understand the nature of the study, and give informed consent Exclusion criteria for Persons with Aphasia: 1. Inability to understand the nature of the study 2. Marked naming impairment 3. Impaired non-verbal, conceptual processing 4. History of significant medical or neurological disorder (other than stroke) 5. History of significant or poorly controlled psychiatric disorders 6. Current abuse of alcohol or drugs, prescription or otherwise 7. Nursing a child, pregnancy, or intent to become pregnant during the study 8. Clinically significant hearing loss 9. Contraindications to tACS 10. Contraindications to MRI Exclusion Criteria for Healthy Controls 1. Diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease or clinically significant cognitive complaint 2. Any unrelated neurologic or physical condition that impairs communication ability 3. History of unrelated neurological conditions including but not limited to traumatic brain injury, stroke, or small vessel disease that has resulted in a neurologic deficit 4. Any additional neurological condition that would likely reduce the safety of study participation, including central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis, intracranial tumor, intracranial aneurysm, multiple sclerosis or arteriovenous malformations 5. A medically unstable cardiopulmonary or metabolic disorder 6. Terminal illness associated with survival \<12 months 7. Major active psychiatric illness that may interfere with required study procedures or treatments as determined by the enrolling physician 8. Current abuse of alcohol or drugs, prescription or otherwise 9. Contraindications to tACS 10. Contraindications to MRI
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daniela Sacchetti, MS
- Email: danielas@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 215 573 4336
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.
Conditions: Stroke, Aphasia, Acquired, Aphasia, non-invasive brain stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, EEG