Brain Stimulation Enhance Post-stroke Walking Survivors and Healthy Adults
Effect of Brain Stimulation on Locomotor Skill Acquisition in Stroke
Who can join
Ages 21 to 90 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 21 and 90 years * Medical history of a unilateral stroke occurring ≥ 6 months prior to enrollment * MRI or CT evidence from the imaging report shown that the stroke involves the corticospinal tract * Hemiparesis involving the lower extremity (Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Motor Test) * No passive range of motion limitation in bilateral hips and knees * Limitation of ankle passive range of motion to 10 degrees of dorsiflexion or less * Visual acuity can be corrected by glasses or contact lens to 20/20 * Able to walk independently with/without assistant devices for 10 meters * Able to maintain standing position without any assistance \>= 30 sec (Short Physical Performance Battery) * Evaluation of cognitive status: Mini-mental status examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24 Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women * MRI or CT evidence of involvement of the basal ganglia or cerebellum, evidence of multiple lesions, or evidence of any other brain damage or tumors * Have any metal implants, cardiac pacemakers, or history of seizures * Ongoing orthopedic or other neuromuscular disorders that will restrict exercise training * Any vestibular dysfunction or unstable angina * Significant cognitive deficits (inability to follow a 2-step command) or severe receptive or global aphasia
About the study
Recent studies showed that a non-invasive, low-intensity brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can effectively increase motor neuron excitability in the brain and therefore promotes functional recovery after stroke. Thus, the overall purpose of this research project is to examine the effect of brain stimulation on motor skill learning in stroke survivors.
What is being tested
- anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) (combination product)
Sponsor: The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston · Participants: 70 · Started: May 1, 2025
Contact the study team
- Shih-Chiao Tseng, PhD · Phone: 409-772-9555
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06191549
Locations in the U.S.
| Texas | University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Nov 15, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.