Using brain stimulation to improve language therapy in stroke patients with aphasia
Treatment Outcomes and Brain Mechanisms Associated With Non-Invasive Neuromodulation in Post-Stroke Aphasia
This study is testing whether adding brain stimulation to speech therapy can help stroke patients with language difficulties improve their ability to find and use words.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Arkansas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
| Trial ID | NCT03929432 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance language rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with post-stroke aphasia by combining traditional speech-language therapy with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The research focuses on individuals who have experienced a left hemisphere stroke and are at least six months post-stroke. By applying excitatory brain stimulation during anomia treatment, the study seeks to improve word retrieval abilities and investigate the underlying brain connectivity changes associated with recovery. The ultimate goal is to optimize therapeutic approaches for better language processing in patients with aphasia.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 who have post-stroke aphasia resulting from a single left hemisphere stroke and can speak English as their native language.
Not a fit: Patients with severe auditory comprehension deficits or those with co-occurring neurological or major mental health disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve language recovery and quality of life for patients with post-stroke aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in conjunction with language therapy is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promising results in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes for similar conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Presence of post-stroke aphasia * Single left hemisphere stroke etiology * At least 6 months post-stroke * Age range between 18 and 80 years old * Speak English as a native language * Adequate hearing and vision to complete the tasks Exclusion Criteria: * Severe auditory comprehension deficits (determined by pretest) (i.e., global aphasia, Wernicke's aphasia, transcortical sensory aphasia) * Inability to provide informed consent * Co-occurring history of neurological disease/disorder/injury (e.g., traumatic brain injury, right hemisphere stroke, dementia) * Co-occurring history of a major mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, drug addiction, bipolar) * Clinical conditions contraindicated for MRI or tDCS (e.g., implanted electrical devices, claustrophobia, seizure disorder) * Positive pregnancy test (for females)
Where this trial is running
Little Rock, Arkansas
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — Little Rock, Arkansas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dana Moser, PhD, CCC-SLP — University of Arkansas
- Study coordinator: Dana Moser, PhD, CCC-SLP
- Email: DRMoser@uams.edu
- Phone: 501-569-8914
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.