Using electrical stimulation to help recover limb movement in stroke patients with apraxia
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Electrical Stimulation (tDCS) on the Recovery of Ideomotor Apraxia of the Upper Limbs in Patients With Acute Stroke
This study is testing if a special type of electrical stimulation can help stroke patients with movement problems in their arms recover better when combined with rehabilitation therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Clinica di Riabilitazione Toscana Spa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montevarchi, Arezzo) |
| Trial ID | NCT05259176 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on patients with ideomotor apraxia following a left hemispheric stroke. The research aims to determine whether applying tDCS over the left posterior parietal cortex can enhance recovery of upper limb movements in individuals who have experienced a stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or sham stimulation, alongside behavioral rehabilitation techniques. The study focuses on patients within 30 days of stroke onset who exhibit specific cognitive and motor deficits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20 to 80 who have experienced an ischemic stroke with a left hemispheric injury and exhibit ideomotor apraxia.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing psychiatric or neurological conditions, or those who do not meet the cognitive criteria, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the recovery of limb function in stroke patients suffering from apraxia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with tDCS in similar contexts, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects of both gender, with ischaemic stroke; * Left hemispheric injury documented by neuroimaging examination; * Cerebrovascular disease onset within the first 30 days; * Presence of ideomotor apraxia as documented by a score \< 53 in the De Renzi's test; * Intact semantic skills as documented by normal performance on the Auditory or Visual Word Comprehension subtest of the Neuropsychological Examination for Aphasia (E. N. P. A.); * Full comprehension skills as documented by normal performance in the sub-test of oral or orthographic comprehension (Auditory or Visual Words Comprehension) of the Neuropsychological Examination for Aphasia (E. N. P. A.); * Age between 20 and 80 years; * Any schooling; * Patient's informed consent signature. Exclusion Criteria: * Comprehension and/or semantics deficit as documented by E. N. P. A.; * Pre-existing psychiatric and/or neurological pathology; * Failure to sign the patient's and/or caregiver's informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Montevarchi, Arezzo
- CLINICA DI RIABILITAZIONE TOSCANA Spa — Montevarchi, Arezzo, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cristiano Scarselli — Clinica di Riabilitazione Toscana Spa
- Study coordinator: Laura Abbruzzese
- Email: laura.abbruzzese@libero.it
- Phone: 3473333750
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.