Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Dual-task Performance in Stroke

NCT06818240 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 50

Last updated 2025-02-10

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Stroke often impairs lower limb control, resulting in gait abnormalities and difficulties in dual-task performance, such as walking while engaging in cognitive activities. This study examines the effects of a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on dual-task walking performance in individuals with chronic stroke. Using a cross-over design, participants will undergo two sessions (active or sham tDCS, 7 ± 2 days apart) of stimulation at 2 mA for 30 minutes. Walking performance will be measured using single and dual-task conditions combining motor (e.g., 20 m walk) and cognitive tasks (e.g., word association, random number recall). Primary outcomes include walking speed (m/s), stride length (m), and dual-task cost (DTC) for mobility and cognitive speed.

The study aims to evaluate tDCS as a potential tool to reduce DTC, improve dual-task performance, and improve daily function and quality of life in stroke survivors. Results may guide the development of tailored dual-task interventions in stroke rehabilitation.

Conditions

  • Chronic Stroke

Interventions

DEVICE

Active transcranial direct current stimulation

In the active tDCS session, real stimulation was delivered via a current stimulator (DC-STIMULATOR MC, NeuroConn, Germany) using saline-soaked 4×6 cm² electrodes. The anode was positioned over the left-DLPFC identified as F3 according to the 10-20 international EEG system, and the cathode over the right supraorbital ridge.

DEVICE

Sham transcranial direct current stimulation

In the Sham tDCS session, Sham stimulation was delivered via a current stimulator (DC-STIMULATOR MC, NeuroConn, Germany) using saline-soaked 4×6 cm² electrodes. The anode was positioned over the left-DLPFC identified as F3 according to the 10-20 international EEG system, and the cathode over the right supraorbital ridge.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Shamay SM NG, PhD · The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age
50 Years
Max Age
80 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-11-01
Primary Completion
2025-02-28
Completion
2025-02-28

Countries

  • Hong Kong

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06818240 on ClinicalTrials.gov