Using electrical stimulation to improve cognitive and motor function in stroke patients

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

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

• Task-oriented training plus NDT vs high-intensity gait training plus NDT for chronic stroke walking

  In adults with chronic stroke, the study tests whether adding structured, high-repetition task-oriented training or high-intensity gait training to neurodevelopmental treatment improves walking ability more than NDT alone.

  Recruiting Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Bingoel, Center · NCT07725211

• Action Observation Therapy for Chronic Stroke via Telerehabilitation

  This study tests whether watching and then imitating simple daily actions through a home-based telerehabilitation program improves hand function and quality of life for adults with chronic stroke.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Karabuk University · Karabük, Merkez and 1 other locations · NCT07631182

• Unimanual vs. Bimanual Action Observation Therapy for Chronic Stroke Upper-Limb Recovery

  This study tests whether action observation therapy using one hand or both hands improves arm function and daily living in adults with chronic stroke.

  Recruiting Karabuk University · Karabük, Merkez · NCT07631169

• CONUT score and its link to balance and everyday function after chronic stroke.

  This will see if the CONUT nutritional score and measures of muscle and bone relate to balance and daily function in adults at least six months after a stroke.

  Recruiting Marmara University · Istanbul, Pendik · NCT07468110

• Comparing constraint-induced movement therapy and bilateral training to improve arm and hand use after chronic stroke

  This tests whether restraining the unaffected arm plus electrical stimulation or training both arms together with electrical stimulation better reduces wrist tightness and improves hand use in adults with chronic stroke.

  Recruiting University of Lahore · Lahore, Punjab Province · NCT07378774

• Using vibration and low‑intensity electrical pulses to improve arm proprioception after stroke

  This project tests whether a wearable device that delivers gentle vibrations and low‑intensity electrical pulses can improve arm position and movement sense in people with chronic stroke, with healthy volunteers included for comparison.

  Recruiting Universidad Rey Juan Carlos · Móstoles, Madrid · NCT07073989

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.