Actively Recruiting
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) with Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) for Chronic Aphasia after Stroke
Led by City University of New York · Updated on 2025-01-07
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
103 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate changes in language abilities in adults with chronic aphasia following a stroke. The study focuses on an 8-week therapy program combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a method that uses a weak electrical current applied through electrodes on the scalp to potentially enhance brain activity related to language. The goal is to see if this combined approach improves language skills compared to therapy alone. Participants receive two types of treatment: active or sham tDCS paired with speech-language therapy called Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST). Therapy sessions last 60 minutes, occur twice weekly for 8 weeks, and include 20 minutes of either real or sham brain stimulation. The active tDCS delivers 2 milliamps of current between electrodes placed over specific brain areas associated with language, while the sham involves only brief initial stimulation to mimic the sensation. Participants undergo multiple assessments including language tasks and brain scans (MRI) before, immediately after, and 8 weeks post-therapy. Language ability is measured by counting correct information units produced during discourse tasks. Safety screenings, hearing and vision tests, and medical history reviews are conducted. The total study participation lasts about 20 weeks, during which participants cannot receive other speech therapy. The investigators monitor language improvements and brain activity changes to assess treatment effects.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in Chronic Aphasia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Right handed (pre-stroke for participants with aphasia)
- High school education or equivalent
- Native English fluency without early second language exposure (before age 10)
- Ability to perform the required discourse and MRI tasks
- For participants with aphasia: single-event left hemisphere stroke more than 6 months prior to enrollment
- For participants with aphasia: diagnosis of aphasia confirmed by Western Aphasia Battery-Revised
- For participants with aphasia: no other speech therapy during the 20-week study period
- For participants with aphasia: ability to perform the required therapy tasks
You will not qualify if you...
- Failed vision or hearing screening
- MRI contraindications including pacemaker
- Pregnancy
- History of seizure or change in seizure medication in past 12 months
- History of speech/language, psychiatric, or neurological disorder, or serious medical condition (except chronic stroke comorbidities for aphasia participants)
- For participants with aphasia: unmodifiable hairstyle preventing electrode scalp contact
- For participants with aphasia: sensitive scalp by self-report
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
City University of New York
New York, New York, United States, 10016
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
E. Susan Duncan, PhD, CCC-SLP
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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