Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 50Years +
All Genders
NCT07356687

Effects of rTMS Combined With Dual-Task Gait Training on Walking and Cognition After Stroke

Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2026-02-06

184

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

153 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

Sponsors

T

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Lead Sponsor

R

Research Grants Council, Hong Kong

Collaborating Sponsor

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will investigate whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) can enhance the effects of dual-task gait training in people with chronic stroke. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive either active rTMS or sham rTMS immediately before the same standardized dual-task gait training program. The intervention includes 12 sessions over 3 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately after training, and at 4-week follow-up. Co-primary outcomes are dual-task mobility and cognitive performance during walking, quantified using dual-task cost (DTC) for gait speed and cognitive-task performance during dual-task walking (e.g., Serial 7s; Shopping List Recall). Secondary outcomes include balance/mobility, community participation, mood/sleep measures, and fall incidence. To explore mechanisms, prefrontal cortex activity during single- and dual-task walking will be recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and mediation analyses will examine whether changes in PFC activity explain intervention effects.

CONDITIONS

Official Title

Effects of rTMS Combined With Dual-Task Gait Training on Walking and Cognition After Stroke

Who Can Participate

Age: 50Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic hemispheric stroke

  • Age ≥ 50 years

    -≥ 6 months post-stroke

  • Medically stable

  • Able to walk independently ≥ 1 minute (assistive device allowed)

  • Able to follow commands

  • mRS 1-3

  • MoCA ≥ 22

Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Other neurological disorders
  • Cerebellar/brainstem injury
  • TMS contraindications (e.g., pacemaker, intracranial metal, seizure history, pregnancy)
  • Contraindications to exercise (e.g., unstable angina)
  • Severe aphasia (NIHSS item 9 ≥ 2)
  • Pain/illness limiting performance
  • Concurrent formal rehabilitation elsewhere
  • RMT cannot be determined
  • Fails TMS safety screening

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

1
2
3
+1

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hong Kong, HongKong, Hong Kong, HKG

Actively Recruiting

Loading map...

Research Team

S

Shuning LI

CONTACT

P

Prof. Marco PANG

CONTACT

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

DOUBLE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

2

Not the Right Trial for You?

Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Already have an account? Log in here