Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in Chronic Aphasia

Summary

The purpose of this study is to assess changes in language abilities of participants with chronic, post-stroke aphasia following an 8-week therapy period combined with brain stimulation. The investigators use a stimulation method called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The investigators cover two electrodes in damp sponges, place them on the scalp, and pass a weak electrical current between them. Some of this current passes through the brain and can change brain activity. One electrode is placed over language areas a bit above and in front of the left ear. The other is placed on the forehead above the right eye. Stimulation is provided twice a week for 8 weeks during aphasia therapy. The investigators believe that this stimulation may increase the effectiveness of therapy.

Conditions

• Aphasia
• Stroke

Interventions

DEVICE

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation

2 milliamps (mA) of stimulation is induced between two 5 cm x 7 cm saline soaked sponges where one sponge (anode) is placed on the scalp over the targeted cortical region and the other (cathode) is placed on the right side of the forehead. Ramping up of the current to 2 milliamps (mA) occurs over 30 seconds to allow participants to habituate to the tingling sensation. In the active tDCS condition, stimulation continues for the first 20 minutes of the 60-minute treatment session, and then ramps back down to 0 milliamps (mA).

DEVICE

Sham transcranial direct current stimulation

2 milliamps (mA) of stimulation is induced between two 5 cm x 7 cm saline soaked sponges where one sponge (anode) is placed on the scalp over the targeted cortical region and the other (cathode) is placed on the right side of the forehead. Ramping up of the current to 2 milliamps (mA) occurs over 30 seconds to allow participants to habituate to the tingling sensation. In the sham tDCS condition, the current is only on for 30 seconds before it is ramped back down to 0 milliamps (mA), although the electrodes are still worn for 20 minutes.

BEHAVIORAL

Speech-Language Therapy (SLT)

Therapy provided is Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST). Therapy sessions last for 60 minutes and are provided twice weekly for 8 weeks. Active or sham tDCS is delivered during the first 20 minutes of therapy. The therapist is blinded to stimulation condition (active or sham).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• City University of New York

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• E. Susan Duncan, PhD, CCC-SLP · City University of New York

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

21 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-01-03

Primary Completion

2026-12-31

Completion

2026-12-31

FDA Device

Yes

Countries

• United States

Study Locations