Actively Recruiting
Personalized Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Stroke Recovery
Led by The Methodist Hospital Research Institute · Updated on 2026-03-02
80
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 personalized transcranial direct current stimulation ptDCS on chronic stroke patients, focusing on whether this approach can improve brain connectivity related to recovery. The study targets individuals who have had ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes more than three months ago and aims to predict clinical improvement based on changes in a brain plasticity biomarker. The study is randomized, double-masked, and includes a sham control group. Participants will receive up to 20 minutes of weak electrical stimulation 0.5-2 mA through surface electrodes during occupational therapy focused on the weaker arm. Those in the sham group will receive brief stimulation that mimics the sensation without the full treatment. After a one-month follow-up, sham participants may cross over to receive real ptDCS with the same procedures. Participants will undergo brain scans using fMRI to measure connectivity at the start and after four weeks. Motor function will be assessed using the Wolf Motor Function Test and Fugl-Meyer assessment at four weeks. The study involves monitoring during therapy sessions, with assessments to track changes in brain function and arm movement. Total participation includes treatment, follow-up, and optional crossover for sham participants.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Personalized Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Stroke Recovery
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Symptomatic ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by imaging causing hemiparesis with muscle strength 1 to 4 on the MRC scale
- Age over 18 years, any gender, all racial and ethnic groups
- Stroke occurred more than 3 months before study entry
- Modified Ashworth Scale score less than 3 in the affected upper limb
- Passive range of motion within functional limits at shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand
- Ability to follow two-step commands
You will not qualify if you...
- History of severe alcohol or drug abuse, severe psychiatric illness, poor motivation, or severe language or cognitive deficits
- Bilateral paresis or weakness/sensory damage from peripheral causes
- Severe uncontrolled medical problems including cardiovascular disease, severe arthritis, active cancer, renal or pulmonary disease, or deteriorated condition due to age or epilepsy
- Unstable cardiac arrhythmia
- Pregnancy
- Metallic implants in the head, pacemakers, or craniotomies preventing safe stimulation
- History of seizures
- Non-English speakers without an appropriate translator for all study sessions
Research Team
N
Neha Sudarshan, MD
T
Timea Hodics, MD
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