Using electrical stimulation to improve motor function in stroke patients

The Effects of Bilateral-Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) on Cortical Activity, Motor Performances, and Cognitive Function in Sub-Acute and Chronic Stroke Individuals

Not applicable Interventional Mahidol University · NCT06134921

This study is testing if using electrical stimulation along with regular physical therapy can help improve movement and brain function in people recovering from a stroke.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment42 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorMahidol University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Salaya, Nakonpathom)
Trial IDNCT06134921 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) combined with conventional physical therapy on motor function and cortical activity in individuals recovering from stroke. Participants will include those with sub-acute to chronic stroke, specifically within 2 weeks to 2 years post-stroke. The study aims to assess improvements in upper and lower limb motor function and brain activity, potentially enhancing rehabilitation outcomes for stroke survivors. The interventions include active tES techniques and a sham stimulation for comparison.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are stroke survivors aged 18 to 80 who have experienced a first-ever unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and are within 2 weeks to 2 years post-stroke.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological antecedents, unstable medical conditions, or those who have received non-invasive brain stimulation in the past 6 months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve motor function and rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using electrical stimulation for stroke rehabilitation, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Stroke individuals aged 18 - 80 years.
2. A first-ever unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
3. Stroke onset from at least 2 weeks - 2 years.
4. Having modified Rankin scale (mRS) 1-4
5. Ability to communicate, follow, and understand the instruction.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of any neurological antecedent, unstable medical conditions or condition that may increase risk of stimulation such as epilepsy and seizure, and history of brain surgery.
2. Presence of metal implantation, intracranial shunt, cochlear implantation, or cardiac pacemakers.
3. Presence of opened wound or infectious wound around the scalp.
4. Moderate pain in any joint of the upper or lower paretic limb (numerical pain rating score \> 4/10).
5. History of receiving non-invasive brain stimulation within the past 6 months.

Where this trial is running

Salaya, Nakonpathom

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ischemic StrokeHemorrhagic StrokeChronic StrokeSubacute Stroketranscranial electrical stimulationstrokeelectroencephalographyrehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.