Actively Recruiting
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Enhancing Cognitive Function in Individuals With Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Pilot fMRI/1H-MRS Study
Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2025-09-19
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on people with persistent post-concussion syndrome (PCS) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). PCS affects many individuals and causes various physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms due to abnormal brain processing following injury. This study aims to understand how tDCS influences brain connectivity and cognitive functions, focusing on processing speed and executive function. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or sham (placebo) stimulation over 10 sessions during two weeks, once per day on working days. The active tDCS targets the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with a brief ramp-up and ramp-down stimulation causing a tingling sensation. During each session, participants perform a 20-minute cognitive training program consisting of five exercises designed to improve processing speed and executive abilities. During the study, participants will undergo cognitive assessments at the start and one day after completing the intervention to measure executive function and reaction time. The research includes brain imaging and spectroscopy evaluations to observe brain changes. Safety and tolerability will be monitored, and the total involvement spans approximately two weeks. The primary focus is on improvements in executive function as measured by standardized tests.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of tDCS for Enhancing Cognitive Function in Individuals With Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Be 18 years old or older
- Have a history of mild traumatic brain injury with less than 30 minutes loss of consciousness, occurring 1 to 6 years before the study
- Able to communicate in Chinese
You will not qualify if you...
- No confirmed diagnosis from a medical practitioner
- History of other neurological or psychiatric disorders, skull defect, or recent medical instability within 3 weeks
- Pregnant
- Taking medication for psychiatric conditions such as major depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia
- Have implanted devices or suffer from real claustrophobia or discomfort in small, enclosed spaces like an MRI tunnel
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training over 10 sessions in 2 weeks, once per day on consecutive working days. Each training session lasts approximately 20 minutes.
10 visits (in-person, daily on weekdays)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Y
Yvonne Han, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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