Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Enhances Dual-task Performance in People With Stroke

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Device
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
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.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 50
Maximum Age: 80
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• age between 50 and 80 years

• at least 6 months post-first-ever stroke with unilateral motor deficits

• ability to walk independently for at least 10 m without the use of walking aids

• a score of 24 or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

Locations
Other Locations
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
RECRUITING
Hong Kong
Contact Information
Primary
Shamay SM NG, PhD
shamay.ng@polyu.edu.hk
+85227664889
Time Frame
Start Date: 2024-11-01
Estimated Completion Date: 2025-02-28
Participants
Target number of participants: 50
Treatments
Active_comparator: A constant current of 2 mA was applied for 30 minutes
In the active tDCS session, a constant current of 2 mA was applied for 30 minutes, with a 30-second ramp-up and ramp-down for comfort.
Sham_comparator: no active current was applied throughout the stimulation phase
For the sham condition, no active current was applied throughout the stimulation phase, except for an electrical current of 1 mA, which was delivered for the first and last 60 seconds, with similar ramping to control for potential sensation bias.
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov