Bifocal Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Targeting the Frontoparietal Network in Stroke Patients

Launched by UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM HAMBURG-EPPENDORF · Feb 4, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help improve hand and arm function in stroke patients. Many people who have had a stroke struggle with using their hands, and this study focuses on using a method called bifocal transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in movement. The goal is to enhance the connections in the brain that control motor skills, potentially leading to better recovery of hand function.

To be eligible for this study, participants must have had their first stroke at least three months ago and still have some difficulty using their upper limbs. They should not have any other serious neurological or psychiatric conditions and should not be pregnant. Participants will receive non-invasive brain stimulation and will be monitored to see how this treatment affects their brain activity and motor skills. This study is currently recruiting individuals aged 65 to 74, and it aims to provide valuable insights into improving rehabilitation for stroke survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • First-ever clinical stroke
• • Signed informed consent
• • First-ever clinical ischemic stroke at least 3 months ago
• • Stimulation areas (PMv and IPS) are unaffected
• • Residual deficits in the upper limb
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Presence of additional neurological or psychiatric disorders
• • Use of psychotropic medication
• • Pregnancy or potential pregnancy in female participants
• • Pacemakers, other stimulators, or medication pumps
• • Claustrophobia
• • Non-MRI-compatible metallic implants or foreign objects in the body
• • Contraindications for transcranial alternating current stimulation (e.g., epilepsy, history of seizures, any type of pacemaker)