Training Cognition With Neurofeedback After Stroke

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, BORDEAUX · Feb 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a new way to help stroke survivors improve their thinking skills, which can be affected after a stroke. The study focuses on a technique called real-time functional MRI neurofeedback (rt-fMRI NF), which helps patients learn to control their brain activity in a positive way. Researchers want to see if this method can help stroke patients who have had cognitive difficulties, like trouble with attention or problem-solving, to better manage their brain function.

To join this study, participants need to be between 18 and 75 years old, have had their first stroke within the last 3 to 6 months, and still have some ongoing issues with thinking skills. They should also be right-handed and able to understand instructions in French. Those who participate will receive training using brain imaging technology and will be monitored throughout the study. This trial aims to explore new ways to support recovery and improve quality of life for individuals facing cognitive challenges after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Men or women
• • Right handed
• • 18 ≤ years old \< 75
• • first-ever ischemic stroke on brain MRI in the past 3 to 6 months ;
• • Persisting cognitive complaint 3 months after the ischemic stroke, proved by a MoCA score ≤ 26 (if educational level ≥ 12 years, or ≤ 25 if educational level \< 12 years), and involving at least one of the following cognitive domains : executive functions, attention, and processing speed ;
• • Ischemic stroke located in the territory of the middle cerebral artery and /or basal ganglia/thalamus ;
• • NIHSS ≤ 5, without aphasia or severe visual disability empeding the understanding of the instructions, the neurofeedback task achievement, and/or the neuropsychological assessment ;
• • No prestroke disability defined by a modified Rankin Scale ≤ 2 ;
• • For women of childbearing potential, use of effective contraception and negative pregnancy test.
• • Written informed consent by the patient.
• • Coverage by the French Social Insurance
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Previous cognitive impairment ;
• • History of psychiatric disorder ;
• • Current use of psychotropic medication ;
• • MRI contraindication ;
• • Pregnancy or breastfeeding ;
• • Chronic disease empeding the follow-up of the subject during the lenght of the study ;
• • Non fluently-French speakers ;
• • Patient under legal protection.
• • Patient unable of giving personal consent
• • Emergency situation
• • 1st MRI incomplete, not performed or not analyzable