Enhancing Reading Recovery in Aphasia with TDCS and Phonomotor Therapy

Last updated: March 17, 2025
Sponsor: Kessler Foundation
Overall Status: Active - Not Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Stroke

Speech Disorders

Cerebral Ischemia

Treatment

Schedule of tDCS administration

Clinical Study ID

NCT06891638
R-1290-25
  • Ages 18-80
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This study is designed for individuals with aphasia, a language disorder that affects many stroke survivors, making it difficult to read, speak, and understand language. Up to 70% of people with aphasia struggle with reading, which impacts their ability to communicate, work, and engage in daily life.

The study aims to test a new approach to reading rehabilitation by combining Phono-Motor Treatment (PMT), a language therapy adapted to improve reading, with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a safe and painless brain stimulation technique. tDCS delivers a mild electrical current to the brain, which may enhance learning. This study will assess whether adding tDCS to PMT improves reading therapy outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Chronic (>6 months) left-hemisphere stroke

  • Aphasia diagnosis.

  • Deficits in reading aloud.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Eye condition not correctable with lenses and interfering with reading (e.g.,blindness)

  • Severe apraxia of speech or cognitive deficits preventing participation.

  • Participation in one-on-one aphasia rehabilitation during the study period.

  • Brain disorders other than stroke (such as Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia,Parkinson's Disease, etc)

  • Contraindications of tDCS or MRI

  • Skin condition affecting the scull (e.g., psoriasis) or open wounds at thestimulation site.

  • Presence of metallic implants (e.g., cardiac stimulators or pacemakers,cochlear implants)

  • History of ongoing/unmanaged seizers

  • Pregnancy

  • Claustrophobia

  • Inability to lie flat on the back

Study Design

Total Participants: 50
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Schedule of tDCS administration
Phase:
Study Start date:
May 01, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
February 14, 2026

Study Description

This study aims to improve reading rehabilitation for individuals with aphasia, a language disorder that affects many stroke survivors. The goal is to determine whether adding transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a safe and painless brain stimulation technique, to Phono-Motor Treatment (PMT), a language therapy adapted for reading, enhances treatment effectiveness.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, each receiving different combinations of PMT and tDCS over six weeks. Some will receive active tDCS at different points in therapy, while others will receive a placebo (sham) version. By comparing how the timing of tDCS affects reading improvement, this study aims to optimize treatment strategies for individuals with aphasia.

Reading and language skills will be assessed before, during, and after treatment using standardized tests to measure progress. The study will take place at two sites: Kessler Foundation and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), where participants will complete therapy sessions.

Findings from this research may help develop more effective and accessible treatments for stroke survivors with aphasia, improving their ability to read and communicate.

Connect with a study center

  • Kessler Foundation

    West Orange, New Jersey 07052
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Medical College of Wisconsin

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
    United States

    Site Not Available

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