Using electrical stimulation to improve cognitive and motor function in stroke patients
A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Cognitive Function and Upper Limb Motor Function in People With Chronic Stroke
This study is testing if two types of electrical stimulation can help improve thinking and movement skills in people who have had a stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05615610 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) on cognitive and upper limb motor function in individuals who have suffered a chronic stroke. Participants will be divided into three groups, receiving either TENS, tVNS, or a placebo treatment alongside upper limb exercises. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of these non-invasive interventions in enhancing both cognitive abilities and motor skills in stroke survivors. The study seeks to fill a gap in existing research regarding the impact of these treatments on cognitive function post-stroke.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 to 80 who have experienced a single stroke at least one year prior and have some movement ability in their arms.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological diseases or those with cardiac pacemakers or cochlear implants may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new non-invasive treatment option to improve cognitive and motor functions in stroke patients.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific combination of TENS and tVNS for cognitive function in stroke patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. aged between 50 and 80; 2. have suffered from a single stroke at least 6 months; 3. had volitional control of the non-paretic arm and at least minimal antigravity movement in the paretic shoulder; Exclusion Criteria: 1. have cardiac pacemaker or cochlear implant; 2. have other neurological diseases; 3. are taking medication that may affect measured outcomes; 4. have skin lesions, infection, or inflammation near selected position; 5. are participating in other drug/treatment programs.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shamay NG, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Shamay NG, PhD
- Email: shamay.ng@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 27664889
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.