Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Task-Specific Practice for Post-stroke Neglect (NCT02892097) | Clinical Trial Compass
TerminatedPhase 1
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Task-Specific Practice for Post-stroke Neglect
Stopped: Enrolled 1 participant, PI left the institution.
United States1 participantsStarted 2016-07
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to test the effects of three different rehabilitation training sessions that combine non-invasive brain stimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS) with arm rehabilitation training (repetitive task-specific practice, RTP) for individuals with unilateral spatial neglect following stroke. This study is designed to determine the effects of tDCS + RTP on the excitability in the brain, attention to the affected side, and arm movement ability.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Unilateral hemispheric ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic subcortical stroke ≥3 months post stroke (lesion type and location to be confirmed with MRI)
* Neglect (Virtual Reality Lateralized Attention Test score \<18)
* Upper extremity Fugl-Meyer score between 20-56/60
* Inducible motor evoked potential (MEP) of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) on the affected side using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
* ≥18 years old
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of cortical hemorrhagic stroke
* Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale score ≥3) in paretic upper extremity
* Severe aphasia limiting participant's ability to follow 2 step directions
* History of seizures
* History of brain tumor
* History of skull defect
* Hardware in skull or spine (e.g. coils, clips)
* Implantable medical device (e.g. pacemaker)
* Metal in body that is not compatible with MRI
* Pregnant (women of child bearing age will be asked if they are pregnant or could possibly be pregnant)
* Unable to travel to Upper Extremity Motor Function Laboratory at the Center for Rehabilitation Research in Neurological Conditions
* Currently enrolled in another study using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in excitability of fronto-parietal connectivity
Timeframe: Participants will be assessed at baseline and 30 minutes later (immediately following intervention session).