A Neurofeedback Interface in Poststroke Neuromodulation Using TMS-fNIRS (NCT07088107) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
A Neurofeedback Interface in Poststroke Neuromodulation Using TMS-fNIRS
Hong Kong20 participantsStarted 2025-08-01
Plain-language summary
Stroke is a type of cerebrovascular disease, and the primary characteristic of post-stroke brains is pathological changes in cerebral hemodynamics. Therefore, hemodynamic signals may provide straightforward information for guiding post-stroke neuromodulation therapy. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive neurostimulation modality, has been extensively used in post-stroke rehabilitation. However, current TMS-based neuromodulation therapy demonstrates a large treatment response variability due to its open-loop nature. To address this challenge, the research team will develop a novel form of closed-loop neurofeedback interfaces which controls the timing of TMS pulses precisely based on neural biomarkers from functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and test the accuracy of the adaptive neurofeedback system in healthy adults. After establishing the TMS-based neurofeedback interface, a proof-of-concept study enrolling postacute stroke patients will be performed to evaluate the efficacy of the TMS neurofeedback interface in enhancing motor control of the hemiplegic upper extremity and cortical excitability of the ipsilesional motor cortex. These findings will verify whether the proposed fNIRS-controlled TMS neurofeedback interface can be clinically feasible as a form of post-stroke neuromodulation therapy. Additionally, the results will significantly contribute to the scientific understanding of how neuromodulation improves hemodynamic signals in a closed-loop manner, thereby enhancing functional recovery in poststroke survivors.
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.
Inclusion criteria
. Diagnosed with ischemic subcortical stroke, with stroke onset≥6 months.
. Age between 18 and 80 years.
. Residual upper limb functions between levels 2-7 in the FTHUE.
. Capable of providing informed written consent.
. Capable of reading and communicating with Chinese.
Exclusion criteria
. any contraindications to TMS (screened by the safety checklist by Rossi).
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.