Acu-TENS to Improve the Sleep Quality in People with Stroke

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Nov 12, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called Acu-TENS, which combines acupuncture-like techniques with electrical stimulation, to see if it can help improve sleep quality in older adults who have had a stroke. Many stroke survivors experience difficulties sleeping, which can affect their overall well-being. The trial involves participants aged 55 to 85 who have been diagnosed with a stroke and report poor sleep quality. Eligible participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive the Acu-TENS treatment along with a sleep hygiene program, while the other will receive a placebo treatment that looks similar but doesn’t deliver any real stimulation.

Participants can expect to attend sessions twice a week for six weeks. They will be monitored through various assessments to evaluate their sleep quality, motor skills, and cognitive function, both before and after the treatment. This study aims to find out whether the Acu-TENS treatment can lead to better sleep and improved overall health compared to the placebo. It's important to note that individuals with certain health conditions, such as those with a cardiac pacemaker or severe illnesses, will not be eligible for this trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • aged between 55 and 85 yrs;
• • diagnosed with stroke by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic scan longer than one year;
• • able to walk 6-m independently;
• • scored ≥18 but less or equal than 27 in mini-mental state examination (MMSE);
• • self-reported poor sleep quality (PSQI, scores ≥ 6) in the past four weeks.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • have a cardiac pacemaker;
• • have a severe disease that precludes the receipt of Acu-TENS;
• • are taking medication that may affect measured outcomes;
• • have skin lesions, infection, or inflammation near selected acupoints;
• • are participating in other drug/treatment programs.