Using brain stimulation to improve stroke rehabilitation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation, specifically transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), on enhancing upper limb function in stroke survivors. By targeting movement-related brain activity in the beta frequency range, the researchers aim to create a more adaptable brain environment that supports motor training. Participants will receive either active tACS or a sham treatment while performing upper limb tasks, allowing for a comparison of outcomes related to motor function recovery. The study focuses on individuals who are at least three months post-stroke and have experienced upper limb impairments.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
* Aged 18 years or above.
* Clinical diagnosis of stroke affecting the upper limb, with sufficient ability to perform the upper limb reaching task.
* At least 3 months post-stroke and discharged from inpatient care.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to follow task instructions.
* Other neurological condition affecting movement (e.g. Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis).
* Standard contraindications to non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tACS). including (but not limited to) the presence of intracranial metallic or magnetic hardware, seizures, pregnancy, and the presence of a pacemaker or other stimulators/implants.
* Insufficient verbal and written English to comprehend the study and provide informed consent.

Where it's running

• Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB)
  Oxford, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Charlotte J Stagg, PhD — University of Oxford
• Study coordinator: Melanie Fleming, PhD
• Email: melanie.fleming@ndcn.ox.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 1865 611461

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Brain activation during mirror-hand movements after stroke (fNIRS)

  This project uses near-infrared sensors to see if moving the healthy hand while viewing its mirror image changes brain activity in people who had a first stroke within six months and have very weak finger movement.

  Recruiting Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine · Hangzhou · NCT07509944

• Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke

  This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.

  Recruiting The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health · Heidelberg, Victoria and 1 other locations · NCT07019493

• Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery

  This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Hokkaido University Hospital · Sapporo, Hokkaido · NCT06752720

• AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals

  This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute · Leuven and 6 other locations · NCT07924371

• Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke

  This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.

  Recruiting Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · Taoyuan · NCT07921108

• Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2

  Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · Sheffield, South Yorkshire · NCT07914647

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.