Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Electrical Stimulation on the Recovery of Ideomotor Apraxia of the Upper Limbs

Launched by CLINICA DI RIABILITAZIONE TOSCANA SPA · Feb 17, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on a condition known as ideomotor apraxia. This condition makes it hard for people to perform intentional movements with their arms and hands, often after having a stroke that affects the left side of the brain. The researchers want to see if applying tDCS to a specific area of the brain can help improve movement in patients who are experiencing this difficulty.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be between 20 and 80 years old and have had an ischemic stroke (a type of stroke caused by a blood clot). They should also have a specific level of difficulty with movement, known as ideomotor apraxia, but still have good understanding skills. Participants will receive the tDCS treatment and will be evaluated to see if it helps improve their ability to move their upper limbs. It’s important to note that certain people, like those with other severe brain issues or who can’t understand the study, won’t be able to join. If you or someone you know fits the criteria and is interested, this study could offer valuable insights into improving recovery after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Subjects of both gender, with ischaemic stroke;
• • Left hemispheric injury documented by neuroimaging examination;
• • Cerebrovascular disease onset within the first 30 days;
• • Presence of ideomotor apraxia as documented by a score \< 53 in the De Renzi's test;
• • Intact semantic skills as documented by normal performance on the Auditory or Visual Word Comprehension subtest of the Neuropsychological Examination for Aphasia (E. N. P. A.);
• • Full comprehension skills as documented by normal performance in the sub-test of oral or orthographic comprehension (Auditory or Visual Words Comprehension) of the Neuropsychological Examination for Aphasia (E. N. P. A.);
• • Age between 20 and 80 years;
• • Any schooling;
• • Patient's informed consent signature.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Comprehension and/or semantics deficit as documented by E. N. P. A.;
• • Pre-existing psychiatric and/or neurological pathology;
• • Failure to sign the patient's and/or caregiver's informed consent.