Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Stimulation to Advance Stroke Rehabilitation

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD · Feb 20, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help people recover movement in their arms after a stroke using a technique called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). This method sends a mild electrical current to the brain to enhance its ability to adapt and respond to movement training. The researchers want to see if this stimulation can improve upper limb movement in stroke survivors by targeting specific brain activity linked to hand and arm function.

To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years old, have experienced a stroke that affects your arm, and be at least three months post-stroke. You should also be able to follow instructions for movements with your arm. The study is currently looking for volunteers, and if you qualify, you can expect to undergo sessions where the brain stimulation will be applied while you practice reaching tasks. It's important to note that certain medical conditions or devices, like pacemakers, may prevent you from participating. This trial could offer new hope for improving mobility after a stroke, and the researchers aim to find out how effective this method can be.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
• • Aged 18 years or above.
• • Clinical diagnosis of stroke affecting the upper limb, with sufficient ability to perform the upper limb reaching task.
• • At least 3 months post-stroke and discharged from inpatient care.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to follow task instructions.
• • Other neurological condition affecting movement (e.g. Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis).
• • Standard contraindications to non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tACS). including (but not limited to) the presence of intracranial metallic or magnetic hardware, seizures, pregnancy, and the presence of a pacemaker or other stimulators/implants.
• • Insufficient verbal and written English to comprehend the study and provide informed consent.