Actively Recruiting
Effects of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation Combined With Cognitive-motor Dual-task Gait Training on Brain Activity, Spinal Nerve Excitability, Cognition, and Motor Performance in Stroke Patients
Led by Mahidol University · Updated on 2026-02-23
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), which includes transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), combined with conventional physical therapy and cognitive-motor dual-task gait training in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study focuses on those in the sub-acute phase (at least 2 weeks after stroke onset) up to chronic phase (within 5 years post-stroke). The goal is to understand how these treatments affect brain activity, spinal motoneuron excitability, cognition, and motor performance, potentially improving rehabilitation approaches for stroke survivors. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: active tDCS, active tACS, or sham stimulation, each followed by conventional physical therapy and cognitive-motor dual-task gait training. Each session includes 20 minutes of the assigned brain stimulation, 1 hour of physical therapy, and 30 minutes of gait training, with a total of 12 sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions per week). Electrodes are placed over the affected side of the brain's motor cortex, and stimulation parameters differ between tDCS and tACS to target neural plasticity and brain wave activity. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. These evaluations include brain activity measured by EEG, spinal motoneuron excitability via H-reflex tests, cognitive tests like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Stroop test, and motor function tests such as the Fugl-Meyer assessment and Timed Up and Go test. Researchers will also monitor walking performance under dual-task conditions to assess cognitive-motor interference, gathering a comprehensive picture of treatment effects and safety over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of tES Combined With CMDT Gait Training on Cognition, Cortical Activity, Spinal Motoneuron Excitability and Motor Performance in Stroke Individuals
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Unilateral stroke individuals aged 18-80 years
- First-ever stroke
- Stroke onset at least 2 weeks and up to 5 years prior
- Able to walk independently with or without gait aids (modified Rankin scale 1-3)
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Thai version score of 20 or higher
- Ability to read, communicate, understand, and follow instructions
You will not qualify if you...
- Any psychological or neurological history, unstable medical condition, or risk factors for stimulation such as epilepsy, seizure, or brain injury
- Unstable cardiovascular or respiratory disease, or uncontrolled chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease
- Receiving other non-invasive brain stimulation or additional interventions like TMS, PMS, or acupuncture
- Presence of metal implants, intracranial shunt, cochlear implant, or cardiac pacemaker
- Open or infected wounds on scalp or unreplaced bone flap from craniectomy
- Moderate joint pain (greater than 4/10) in any upper or lower limb joint
- Color blindness
- Use of substances including cannabis and kratom
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 - 4 weeks
Participants receive 12 sessions of transcranial electrical stimulation combined with conventional physical therapy and cognitive-motor dual-task gait training. Each session includes 20 minutes of stimulation followed by 1.5 hours of physical and gait training.
3 visits per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total)
Duration - 3 months
Participants are assessed at 1-month and 3-months after the treatment to monitor changes in brain activity, motor performance, cognition, and spinal motoneuron excitability.
2 visits (1-month and 3-month post-treatment assessments)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University
Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 73170
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
W
Wanalee Klomjai, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
FACTORIAL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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