Dual-site Cross-frequency Coupled Transcranial Electrical Stimulation Modulates Working Memory of Patients With Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment
China24 participantsStarted 2026-05-01
Plain-language summary
This clinical trial aims to explore the effect of dual-site theta-gamma cross-frequency coupled transcranial alternating current stimulation in the frontal and parietal region on the working memory ability of patients with cognitive impairment after stroke, and to evaluate the safety of this protocol. The main purpose is to answer the following question: Can dual-site cross-frequency coupled tACS in the frontal parietal region improve the performance of working memory and cognitive-motor dual tasks in stroke patients? What is its mechanism of action? Researchers will compare the effects of real cross-frequency coupled stimuli and sham stimuli to see if the real stimuli can bring better results to patients. Participants will receive 40 minutes of real or sham electrical stimulation once a day for 5 consecutive days. Clinical evaluations (cognitive scales) and fNIRS were conducted respectively before and after stimulation to record the relevant brain activities at rest and during cognitive tasks
Who can participate
Age range
30 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:
* Meeting the diagnostic criteria for hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke in the Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases(2nd edition), with the first onset, single hemisphere stroke, and confirmed by CT or MRI,course of diease 1-6 months;
* Age ranging from 30 to 80 years old;
* Native language is Mandarin or Cantonese;
* Right-handed;
* Diagnosed with PSCI by the MoCA scale;
* Able to cooperate in completing the speech repetition test;
* Normal hearing.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Currently receiving non-invasive brain stimulation treatment;
* Lesions involving the left DLPFC brain regions;
* History of epilepsy, mental illness,or other neurological or mental disorders;
* Any contraindications for transcranial electrical stimulation.
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
n-back task accuracy rate
Timeframe: Baseline and 5-days
2
n-back task reaction time
Timeframe: Baseline and 5-days
3
function connectivity during n-back task
Timeframe: Baseline and 5-days
4
Verbal fluency test（VFT）accuracy rate
Timeframe: Baseline and 5-days
5
Verbal fluency test（VFT）reaction time
Timeframe: Baseline and 5-days
6
function connectivity during Verbal fluency test（VFT）