Dual-task Training Combined with TDCS on Cognitive-motor Performance and Brain Activity in Stroke Patients

Last updated: March 18, 2025
Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Stroke

Cerebral Ischemia

Treatment

active tDCS with dual-task training

sham tDCS with dual-task training

Clinical Study ID

NCT06769672
Marco PANG_tDCS
  • Ages > 50
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate tDCS combined with cognitive-motor training on dual-task interference during dual-task walking, dual-task foot pedaling and the corresponding alterations of brain activity.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • a diagnosis of stroke, stroke onset of more than 6 months,

  • aged 50 or more,

  • capable of following verbal and visual instructions,

  • having a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score ≥ 22,

  • able to walk for 10 meters with/without a mobility aid,

  • community-dwelling, unilateral stroke

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • neurological disorders, gait-precluding pain or comorbidity,

  • receiving any formal rehabilitation training,

  • contraindications to exercise (e.g., unstable angina),

  • contraindications to fNIRS, MRI, and tDCS (e.g., brain skin injury, pacemaker, metalimplants in the brain),

  • history of seizure or epilepsy,

  • color blindness.

  • unable to walk with/without a mobility aid while responsing stimulus by the remotecontrol

Study Design

Total Participants: 72
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: active tDCS with dual-task training
Phase:
Study Start date:
January 01, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
December 31, 2026

Study Description

In China, the prevalence of stroke increased by 106.0% (93.7-118.8) between 1990 and 2019, highlighting the persistent and substantial burden of this condition. Post-stroke recovery, particularly the ability to achieve community ambulation, plays a critical role in improving health-related quality of life. Effective community ambulation in daily life requires the ability to dual-task-namely, to perform concurrent tasks requiring attentional resources while maintaining walking function and balance. Emerging evidence suggests that stroke survivors face greater challenges in walking function and dual-task balance compared to their age-matched, able-bodied counterparts. For instance, when tasked with recalling a shopping list while walking, stroke patients exhibit a more pronounced decline in both walking speed and cognitive performance relative to control groups. Given the necessity for stroke survivors to reintegrate into the community, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate this phenomenon of cognitive-motor interference.

Connect with a study center

  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

    Hong Kong,
    Hong Kong

    Active - Recruiting

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