Actively Recruiting
Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Different Brain Regions on Ankle Tracking Motor Learning, Motor Adaptation, and Brain Connectivity in Healthy Middle-aged and Older Adults and Patients With Subcortical Stroke
Led by National Taiwan University Hospital · Updated on 2024-08-19
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how different types of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to specific brain regions affect ankle tracking motor learning, motor adaptation, and brain connectivity. This study focuses on healthy middle-aged and older adults as well as patients with chronic subcortical stroke who experience difficulties with ankle control, balance, and movement. The goal is to better understand how stimulation of the primary motor cortex, posterior parietal cortex, and cerebellar cortex may influence these motor functions and brain connections. Participants are randomly assigned to one of four groups: stimulation of the primary motor cortex opposite the moving leg, stimulation of the posterior parietal cortex opposite the moving leg, stimulation of the cerebellar cortex on the same side as the moving leg, or a sham stimulation group. Each participant undergoes a 5-day skill acquisition phase where they complete daily 20-minute sessions of a sequential ankle tracking task using a custom-built system. Groups receiving active stimulation get 2 mA of anodal tDCS during this learning phase, while the sham group receives a brief ramp-up to 2 mA followed by no current during the session. During the study, researchers assess changes in ankle tracking performance and brain MRI data after one week. Additional measurements include fall history, attention, ankle muscle strength, mobility, walking ability, sensory and motor functions for stroke patients, and balance. Participants will be monitored closely to evaluate the effects of the stimulation and the learning task on motor functions and brain connectivity over the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Different Brain Regions on Ankle Tracking Motor Learning, Motor Adaptation, and Brain Connectivity in Healthy Middle-aged and Older Adults and Patients With Subcortical Stroke
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 40 and 80 years old
- Intact cognitive function with Mini-Mental State Examination score of 27 or higher
- Normal ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor strength and passive range of motion for healthy adults
- Corrected far vision of at least 0.8 and uncorrected near vision of at least 0.04
- First-ever onset of unilateral subcortical stroke at least 3 months prior for stroke patients
- Hemiplegic or hemiparetic condition for stroke patients
- No spatial neglect for stroke patients
- Ability to actively perform at least 5 degrees ankle dorsiflexion and 10 degrees plantarflexion with affected ankle
- No excessive spasticity or severe contracture in affected leg for stroke patients
- Mild to moderate disability and ability to walk independently or under supervision for stroke patients
- Corrected far vision of at least 0.8 and uncorrected near vision of at least 0.04 for stroke patients
You will not qualify if you...
- Any contraindications for MRI or transcranial direct current stimulation
- Serious or uncontrolled systemic diseases
- History or symptoms of neurological diseases such as transient ischemic attack, epilepsy, abnormal EEG, meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumors, brain surgery, or sensory disorders (except stroke for stroke patients)
- Severe musculoskeletal problems affecting lower limbs in healthy adults or non-hemiparetic limbs in stroke patients
- Visual spatial perception disorders or hearing loss
- Color blindness
- Depression or psychiatric disorders
- Use of medications affecting central nervous system function
- Drug, substance, or alcohol addiction
- Participation in other brain stimulation research
- Unsuitability for MRI or tDCS as evaluated by a physician
- Affiliation with research-conducting institutions
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 - 5 days
Participants undergo a 5-day skill acquisition phase where they receive 20-minute sessions of ankle tracking motor learning paired with transcranial direct current stimulation to different brain regions or sham stimulation.
Daily visits for 5 consecutive days (in-person)
Duration - 1 week
Participants are assessed for changes in ankle tracking performance, brain MRI data, and other motor and cognitive functions one week after treatment.
1 follow-up visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, National Taiwan University
Taipei, Taiwan, 100
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Pei-Fang Tang, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
4
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
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