RecruitingNot Applicable

Combined Functional Electrical and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Foot Drop

United States30 participantsStarted 2026-06-01

Plain-language summary

This study aims to determine if combining the treatments of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) will better help persons with stroke who have difficulty lifting their toes. As part of the treatment, subjects will receive electrical stimulation through pads on their scalp (similar to what one may have received in physical therapy previously to an arm or leg). This protocol is called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Subjects will also receive electrical stimulation through pads on their leg. This is called functional electrical stimulation (FES). During treatment sessions, subjects will also perform leg activity/strengthening exercises. The aim is to evaluate whether combining FES and tDCS within a PT session would reduce foot drop as indicated by improvements in the amount of toe clearance and ankle motion persons with stroke.

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: To participate, you must be: * 18 years or older * Have had 1 or more strokes (\> 6 months) affecting ankle dorsiflexion. * Discharged from all rehabilitative services. * Can walk independently with/without using an assistive device such as a cane without an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) for 15 minutes. Exclusion Criteria: You must not have: * An inability to repeat and understand 2-step commands. * Peripheral neuropathy * Damage to the skull or scalp, such as a fracture History of seizures or epilepsy Extremely high or low blood pressure or heart rate Chest pain or shortness of breath when you are resting Botox injections to your leg or foot in the last 4 months

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

minimum toe clearance

Timeframe: A pretest at baseline 2-3 days prior to the start of the intervention and then after 12 training sessions (between 6 and 8 weeks) posttests will occur 2-3 days after the 12th and final intervention is completed.

Gait speed

Timeframe: A pretest at baseline 2-3 days prior to the start of the intervention and then a posttest 2-3 days after the 12th and final intervention is completed, 6-8 weeks after the start of the intervention.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07592221

SponsorSaint Joseph's University, Philadelphia

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-12-31

Contact for this trial

Greg Thielman, EdD

8562667863 gthielman@sju.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Falls trials