Using brain stimulation to improve stroke rehabilitation
Investigating the Effects of Beta Transcranial Stimulation to Advance Stroke Rehabilitation
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help stroke survivors improve their arm and hand movements during rehabilitation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oxford) |
| Trial ID | NCT06842095 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced a stroke affecting their upper limb and are at least three months post-stroke.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological conditions affecting movement or those with contraindications to brain stimulation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve upper limb recovery and quality of life for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for motor recovery in stroke patients, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Oxford
- 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
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.