Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in Chronic Aphasia

Launched by CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK · Oct 25, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help improve language skills in people who have chronic aphasia, a condition that affects speech and communication, often following a stroke. The researchers want to see if combining a specific type of brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with a language therapy called Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) can make the therapy more effective. During the study, participants will receive this brain stimulation twice a week for eight weeks while they engage in language therapy.

To participate in this study, individuals must be right-handed and have had a stroke affecting the left side of their brain at least six months before joining. They should also have a high school education and be fluent in English. Healthy volunteers who match the age and education of the participants with aphasia are also welcome. Participants will undergo a screening to ensure they can complete the required tasks for the study. It's important to note that those with certain medical conditions, such as severe hearing or vision problems, or those who are pregnant, cannot participate. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it's a great opportunity for those interested in improving language abilities after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • This study recruits individuals with post-stroke aphasia as well as a group of healthy volunteers matched for age, sex, and education.
• INCLUSION Criteria:
• • Right handed (pre-stroke for participants with aphasia)
• • High school education or equivalent
• • Native English fluency without early 2nd language exposure (before age 10)
• • Ability to perform the required discourse and MRI tasks (determined via in-person screening)
• Additional INCLUSION Criteria for participants with APHASIA:
• • Single-event left hemisphere stroke \> 6 months prior to enrollment
• • Aphasia diagnosis per Western Aphasia Battery-Revised
• • Not receiving any other speech therapy for the entire study period (20 weeks)
• • Ability to perform the required therapy tasks (determined via in-person screening)
• EXCLUSION Criteria:
• • 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 current serious medical condition (except chronic stroke comorbidities for participants with aphasia)
• Additional EXCLUSION criteria for participants with APHASIA are:
• • Unmodifiable hair style precluding scalp contact by electrodes
• • Sensitive scalp by self-report