Brain Stimulation Enhance Post-stroke Walking Survivors and Healthy Adults
United States70 participantsStarted 2025-05-01
Plain-language summary
Recent studies showed that a non-invasive, low-intensity brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can effectively increase motor neuron excitability in the brain and therefore promotes functional recovery after stroke. Thus, the overall purpose of this research project is to examine the effect of brain stimulation on motor skill learning in stroke survivors.
Who can participate
Age range
21 Years – 90 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:
* Age between 21 and 90 years
* Medical history of a unilateral stroke occurring ≥ 6 months prior to enrollment
* MRI or CT evidence from the imaging report shown that the stroke involves the corticospinal tract
* Hemiparesis involving the lower extremity (Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Motor Test)
* No passive range of motion limitation in bilateral hips and knees
* Limitation of ankle passive range of motion to 10 degrees of dorsiflexion or less
* Visual acuity can be corrected by glasses or contact lens to 20/20
* Able to walk independently with/without assistant devices for 10 meters
* Able to maintain standing position without any assistance \>= 30 sec (Short Physical Performance Battery)
* Evaluation of cognitive status: Mini-mental status examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant women
* MRI or CT evidence of involvement of the basal ganglia or cerebellum, evidence of multiple lesions, or evidence of any other brain damage or tumors
* Have any metal implants, cardiac pacemakers, or history of seizures
* Ongoing orthopedic or other neuromuscular disorders that will restrict exercise training
* Any vestibular dysfunction or unstable angina
* Significant cognitive deficits (inability to follow a 2-step command) or severe receptive or global aphasia
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
Mean change from baseline in stepping motor control after a single brain stimulation and locomotor learning session.
Timeframe: 0 minute, 30 minutes, and 24 hours a single brain stimulation session
2
Mean change from baseline in gait performances after a single brain stimulation and locomotor learning session.
Timeframe: 0 minute, 30 minutes, and 24 hours a single brain stimulation session
3
Mean change from baseline in brain neuronal network activations after a single brain stimulation and locomotor learning session.
Timeframe: 0 minute, 30 minutes, and 24 hours a single brain stimulation session
4
Mean change from baseline in brain neuronal activations after a single brain stimulation and locomotor learning session.
Timeframe: 0 minute, 30 minutes, and 24 hours a single brain stimulation session
5
Mean change from baseline in stepping motor control after a four-week brain stimulation combined with visuomotor stepping training and treadmill walking training
Timeframe: Day 1, Day 7, Day 30, Day 90 post a four-week brain stimulation combined with visuomotor stepping and treadmill walking training
6
Trial details
NCT IDNCT06191549
SponsorThe University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Mean change from baseline in gait performances after a four-week brain stimulation combined with visuomotor stepping training and treadmill walking training
Timeframe: Day 1, Day 7, Day 30, Day 90 post a four-week brain stimulation combined with visuomotor stepping and treadmill walking training
7
Mean change from baseline in brain neuronal network activations after a four-week brain stimulation combined with visuomotor stepping training and treadmill walking training
Timeframe: Day 1, Day 7, Day 30, Day 90 post a four-week brain stimulation combined with visuomotor stepping and treadmill walking training
8
Mean change from baseline in brain neuronal activations after a four-week brain stimulation combined with visuomotor stepping training and treadmill walking training
Timeframe: Day 1, Day 7, Day 30, Day 90 post a four-week brain stimulation combined with visuomotor stepping and treadmill walking training