Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

The Effect of Combined Brain Stimulation and Exercise for Improving Cognitive Function in Schizophrenia

Hong Kong66 participantsStarted 2026-09-01

Plain-language summary

The study will investigate the (1) additive and synergistic effects of tDCS and aerobic exercise on cognitive function and clinical symptoms in schizophrenia, and (2) neurophysiological mechanisms (mediators) underlying these effects.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 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: * Schizophrenia spectrum disorders; * Aged from 18 to 65. * Chinese-speaking (to enable cognitive testing). * Ability to understand the nature of the study and to give informed consent. * Fewer than 10 hours of physical exercise in the previous 3 months. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe physical illness (Myocardial Infarction, Hypertension, Fracture, Spinal problems in which exercise with mild-to-moderate intensity may be contraindicated). * Comorbid diagnoses of organic brain syndrome, substance misuse, history of epilepsy or seizure, intellectual disability, significant head trauma, active suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors. * Known pregnancy, or other contraindication to tDCS or MRI (e.g., have a cardiac/heart pacemaker, brain aneurysm clips, any implanted metallic or electrical device, or any internal metal foreign objects).

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

Hong Kong List Learning Test (HKLLT)

Timeframe: Baseline and after the 6-week interventions

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07745140

SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-06-30

Contact for this trial

Prof. Jessie LIN

+852 2766 6718 jx-jessie.lin@polyu.edu.hk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Schizophrenia trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 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.