Comparing Prism Adaptation Training With and Without TENS to Minimize Unilateral Spatial Neglect

Launched by KETTERING HEALTH NETWORK ·

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This is a small pilot study asking whether adding Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to Prism Adaptation Therapy (PAT) helps people who have trouble paying attention to one side of their body or space after a stroke. PAT uses special prism glasses and reaching tasks to retrain spatial attention, while TENS provides gentle electrical stimulation to the affected arm to boost sensory awareness. The researchers will compare two groups over about 8–12 weeks of therapy: PAT combined with TENS versus PAT alone. They’ll look at changes in neglect and arm movement using two main tests: the Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS) for neglect and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) for arm function.

Who can join? Adults who have had a stroke and score at least 1 on the CBS (meaning some neglect is present) and can consent to participate. Exclusions include having more than two strokes, a seizure disorder, certain mental illnesses, cancer in the affected arm, a pacemaker or defibrillator, or not feeling the affected arm. The study is sponsored by Kettering Health Network and is not yet recruiting, with an estimated start around late 2025 and a planned completion around late 2027. About 20 people are expected to enroll. If you join, you’ll be randomly assigned to PAT+TENS or PAT alone and receive supervised therapy; safety and progress will be monitored. Results aren’t available yet, but when finished, researchers plan to share overall findings and may provide data to other researchers on request.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria