Effect of Combining Central and Peripheral Cutaneous Electrical Stimulation on Lower Limb Motor Function in People With Stroke

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Feb 16, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how two types of electrical stimulation—transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)—can help improve movement in the legs of people who have had a stroke. The researchers believe that using both types of stimulation together, along with standard training exercises for the lower limbs, may lead to better improvements in strength, control, and walking ability compared to other combinations of treatments.

To participate, individuals must be between 50 and 85 years old and have had a stroke at least six months but less than 15 years ago. They should also be able to move their ankles a bit and walk independently for a short distance. Participants will receive electrical stimulation during their training sessions and may be asked to follow specific instructions about their care. It's important to note that certain health conditions, such as having a pacemaker or recent seizures, may prevent someone from joining the study. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and those who join will be contributing to valuable research that could help others in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. are between 50 and 85 years of age;
• • 2. have had a single stroke more than 6 months and less than 15 years;
• • 3. have at least 5 degrees of active ankle dorsiflexion in the antigravity position;
• • 4. are able to walk 10 m independently, with or without a walking aid;
• • 5. are able to score 6 or higher out of 10 on the abbreviated mental test;
• • 6. have no skin allergies (e.g. redness or itchiness after application of the electrical stimulation pads) to electrical stimulation or electrodes;
• • 7. are able to follow instructions and give informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. have any additional medical, cardiovascular or orthopedic conditions that would hinder their treatment or assessment;
• • 2. have a cardiac pacemaker;
• • 3. have aphasia or cognitive difficulties that may interfere with their comprehension of instructions;
• • 4. have had one or more epileptic seizures within the year prior to the date of inclusion in the study;
• • 5. have an intracerebral metal clip;
• • 6. have a major somatosensory deficit
• • 7. have any contraindication to tDCS;
• • 8. are currently involved in drug studies or other clinical trials.