CompletedPhase 2

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Post-stroke Motor Recovery

United States129 participantsStarted 2019-09-01

Plain-language summary

This research study is to find out if brain stimulation at different dosage level combined with an efficacy-proven rehabilitation therapy can improve arm function. The stimulation technique is called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The treatment uses direct currents to stimulate specific parts of the brain affected by stroke. The adjunctive rehabilitation therapy is called "modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy" (mCIMT). During this therapy the subject will wear a mitt on the hand of the arm that was not affected by a stroke and force to use the weak arm. The study will test 3 different doses of brain stimulation in combination with mCIMT to find out the most promising one.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 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.

Each subject must meet all of the following criteria to participate in this study: 1. 18-80 years old; and 2. First-ever unihemispheric ischemic stroke radiologically verified and occurred within the past 30-180 days; and 3. \>10° of active wrist extension, \>10° of thumb abduction/extension, and \> 10° of extension in at least 2 additional digits; and 4. Unilateral limb weakness with a Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity score of ≤ 54 (out of 66) to avoid ceiling effects; and 5. An absolute difference of FM-UE scores between the two baseline assessments that is ≤ 2 points indicating stable motor impairment; if subject is not stable, then he/she will be invited for a reassessment after 7-14 days (but no more than 3 reassessments); and 6. Pre-stroke mRS ≤2; and 7. Signed informed consent by the subject or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR). Each Subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from the study: 1. Primary intracerebral hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage or bi-hemispheric or bilateral brainstem ischemic strokes; 2. Medication use at the time of study that may interfere with tDCS, including but not limited to carbamazepine, flunarizine, sulpiride, rivastigmine, dextromethorphan; 3. Other co-existent neuromuscular disorders (pre- or post-stroke) affecting upper extremity motor function; 4. Other neurological disorders (pre- or post-stroke) affecting subject's ability to participate in the study; 5. Moderate to severe cognitive impairment defined as Mo…

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

Mean Change in FM-UE From Baseline

Timeframe: Day 15

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03826030

SponsorDuke University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-09-19

Results submitted2025-07-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stroke, Ischemic trials