Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Stimulation to Advance Stroke Rehabilitation (NCT06842095) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Stimulation to Advance Stroke Rehabilitation
United Kingdom60 participantsStarted 2025-02-01
Plain-language summary
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has the potential to boost rehabilitation after stroke by creating a 'pro-plastic' environment, where the brain is more adaptable in response to movement (motor) training. However, responses to classical NIBS protocols are highly variable.
Movement-related changes in specific brain rhythms have previously been shown to be related to recovery of hand/arm function after a stroke. The investigators propose to use NIBS to target movement-related activity in the beta band (13-30Hz) within the motor cortical regions of the brain. The investigators will use a type of NIBS called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), which uses a sinusoidally-varying electrical current where the stimulation frequency is determined to be relevant to the underlying brain rhythms of interest, and the stimulation timed to coincide with specific phases of the hand/arm movement.
The primary aim is to investigate whether beta-tACS improves upper limb movement in stroke survivors.
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:
* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
* Aged 18 years or above.
* Clinical diagnosis of stroke affecting the upper limb, with sufficient ability to perform the upper limb reaching task.
* At least 3 months post-stroke and discharged from inpatient care.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Inability to follow task instructions.
* Other neurological condition affecting movement (e.g. Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis).
* Standard contraindications to non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tACS). including (but not limited to) the presence of intracranial metallic or magnetic hardware, seizures, pregnancy, and the presence of a pacemaker or other stimulators/implants.
* Insufficient verbal and written English to comprehend the study and provide informed consent.
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
Reaching Performance
Timeframe: From the first stimulation session to the completion of the third and final session, an average of 1 month