StrokeNCT06454331
tDCS and Upper Extremity Function in Stroke
A study testing Transcranial direct current stimulation in people with Stroke, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Research on the effects of Anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on hand dexterity and quality of life in stroke patients is limited. While the highlighted article focuses on Parkinson's disease, it underscores anodal tDCS potential to modulate brain activity and promote neural plasticity, suggesting… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke
- What is being tested?
- Transcranial direct current stimulation
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 24 Jun 2024to 31 Jan 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Stroke for more than 6 months.
- Age 40-80 years
- Both gender
- National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for severity level (Mild (1-4), Moderate (5-15), Moderate to Severe (16-20), Severe (21-42)
Who cannot join
- Any patient with Upper limb amputation on the effected side, contracture, burn injury that leads to joint limitation and functional limitation.
- Known cases of Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson and any Musculoskeletal disorder and Cardiopulmonary disorder.
- Any patient with Metallic implants
- Individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy
- Individuals with Skin allergies on the scalp
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Direct Cranial Stimulation on Upper Limb Function and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients
Research on the effects of Anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on hand dexterity and quality of life in stroke patients is limited. While the highlighted article focuses on Parkinson's disease, it underscores anodal tDCS potential to modulate brain activity and promote neural plasticity, suggesting potential relevance to stroke rehabilitation
Read the detailed description
tDCS seems like a hopeful way to help stroke patients improve their upper limb function, but there are still some problems and questions that need to be answered. Previous studies have investigated the impact of (tDCS) on upper limb recovery among stroke patients. However, evidence is scarce on the effect of tDCS on hand dexterity and quality of life in stroke patients. Furthermore, these studies have not adequately explored how the severity of stroke influences the efficacy of tDCS on upper limb motor recovery. Additionally, there is a lack of research examining the cumulative effects of tDCS on both upper limb motor recovery and hand dexterity, as well as QoL, particularly concerning stroke severity.
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Being tested
- Transcranial direct current stimulation, Sham transcranial direct current stimulation
- Keywords
- Stroke, upper limb, tDCS
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Transcranial direct current stimulationDevice
The two key landmarks for EEG electrode placement are the nasion and the inion which are used to define the measurement. Measure the distance between the nasion and the inion along the midline of the head. Divide the nasion-inion distance by two to find the midpoint and mark this midpoint on the scalp along the midline. C3 (left hemisphere of the scalp) and C4 (right hemisphere of the scalp), which are placed 20% of the nasion-inion distance from the midline, and M1, which is placed 10% of this distance from the midline, can be determined using these calculations. From the midpoint marked on the scalp, measure to the left and right sides using the calculated 10% and 20% distances. Mark these points as M1 and its mirror position. Clean the scalp at the marked M1 and its mirror position locations to remove any oils or debris.
Sham transcranial direct current stimulationDevice
it can apply in sitting or supine lying position but it's important to ensure their comfort and safety while facilitating optimal electrode placement and contact with the scalp. Duration of 20 minutes, with Intensity of 0.5mA, and density of 0.02 mA/cm² for 8 weeks on alternative days
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Active tDCS | Experimental | The dosage of anodal tDCS will be 20 minutes with an intensity of 2mA. It's administered before exercise therapy sessions over a period of 8 weeks and 3 times a week Receives: Device: Transcranial direct current stimulation |
| Sham tDCS Group | Sham comparator | sham tDCS, task-oriented training (i.e. placing cones on another cone, inserting needles into a box Receives: Device: Sham transcranial direct current stimulation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
FMA-Upper Extremity
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) is a clinical tool for evaluating motor recovery in stroke and neurological conditions affecting the upper limbs and with a sensitivity of 77%, a specificity of 89%. It assesses motor function through tasks like reaching and grasping, scored on a 3-point scale. Higher scores indicate better function, with a maximum score of 66. Clinicians use it to track progress, plan treatment, and assess outcomes in rehabilitation settings
Measured: 8 week
Action Research Arm Test
The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) is a clinical assessment tool used to evaluate upper limb function and recovery in individuals who have experienced a stroke or other neurological conditions affecting arm movement. The ARAT consists of a series of 19 items/tasks that assess different aspects of upper limb function, including reaching, grasping, gripping, and manipulating objects of various sizes and shapes. The tasks are scored based on the individual's ability to complete them successfully and the quality of movement exhibited during the task. Scores range from 0 to 3. (0=Unable to perform, 1= Partially performs the task, 2= Completes the task with some difficulty and 3= Completes the task without difficulty)
Measured: 8 week
Secondary outcomes (1)
Stroke Specific Quality of Life
The of Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) questionnaire is a tool used to assess the quality of life in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The SS-QOL reveals a sensitivity of 70.0% and a specificity of 75.8%. It measures various domains including physical function, mobility, social participation, emotional well-being, and cognition. The SS-QOL helps clinicians and researchers understand the impact of stroke on a person's overall quality of life and modify interventions accordingly
Measured: 8 week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Jun 2024
- Study start24 Jun 2024
- Primary completion31 Dec 2024
- Study completion31 Jan 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Mirza Obaid Baig, MSPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06454331
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC01900 Tayyab Awan
- Status last verified
- Mar 2025
- First submitted
- 6 Jun 2024
- Last updated
- 24 Mar 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Mar 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Transcranial Direct Cranial Stimulation on Upper Limb Function and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06454331
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC01900 Tayyab Awan
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Keywords
- Stroke, upper limb, tDCS
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 24 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jan 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 12 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Research on the effects of Anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on hand dexterity and quality of life in stroke patients is limited. While the highlighted article focuses on Parkinson's disease, it underscores anodal tDCS potential to modulate brain activity and promote neural plasticity, suggesting potential relevance to stroke rehabilitation
Detailed description
tDCS seems like a hopeful way to help stroke patients improve their upper limb function, but there are still some problems and questions that need to be answered. Previous studies have investigated the impact of (tDCS) on upper limb recovery among stroke patients. However, evidence is scarce on the effect of tDCS on hand dexterity and quality of life in stroke patients. Furthermore, these studies have not adequately explored how the severity of stroke influences the efficacy of tDCS on upper limb motor recovery. Additionally, there is a lack of research examining the cumulative effects of tDCS on both upper limb motor recovery and hand dexterity, as well as QoL, particularly concerning stroke severity.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Active tDCS | Experimental | Device: Transcranial direct current stimulationThe dosage of anodal tDCS will be 20 minutes with an intensity of 2mA. It's administered before exercise therapy sessions over a period of 8 weeks and 3 times a week |
| Sham tDCS Group | Sham comparator | Device: Sham transcranial direct current stimulationsham tDCS, task-oriented training (i.e. placing cones on another cone, inserting needles into a box |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Stroke for more than 6 months.
- Age 40-80 years
- Both gender
- National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for severity level (Mild (1-4), Moderate (5-15), Moderate to Severe (16-20), Severe (21-42)
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Any patient with Upper limb amputation on the effected side, contracture, burn injury that leads to joint limitation and functional limitation.
- Known cases of Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson and any Musculoskeletal disorder and Cardiopulmonary disorder.
- Any patient with Metallic implants
- Individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy
- Individuals with Skin allergies on the scalp
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Transcranial direct current stimulationThe two key landmarks for EEG electrode placement are the nasion and the inion which are used to define the measurement. Measure the distance between the nasion and the inion along the midline of the head. Divide the nasion-inion distance by two to find the midpoint and mark this midpoint on the scalp along the midline. C3 (left hemisphere of the scalp) and C4 (right hemisphere of the scalp), which are placed 20% of the nasion-inion distance from the midline, and M1, which is placed 10% of this distance from the midline, can be determined using these calculations. From the midpoint marked on the scalp, measure to the left and right sides using the calculated 10% and 20% distances. Mark these points as M1 and its mirror position. Clean the scalp at the marked M1 and its mirror position locations to remove any oils or debris. | Device | Active tDCS |
| Sham transcranial direct current stimulationit can apply in sitting or supine lying position but it's important to ensure their comfort and safety while facilitating optimal electrode placement and contact with the scalp. Duration of 20 minutes, with Intensity of 0.5mA, and density of 0.02 mA/cm² for 8 weeks on alternative days | Device | Sham tDCS Group |
Primary outcome
FMA-Upper Extremity
Time frame: 8 week
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) is a clinical tool for evaluating motor recovery in stroke and neurological conditions affecting the upper limbs and with a sensitivity of 77%, a specificity of 89%. It assesses motor function through tasks like reaching and grasping, scored on a 3-point scale. Higher scores indicate better function, with a maximum score of 66. Clinicians use it to track progress, plan treatment, and assess outcomes in rehabilitation settings
Action Research Arm Test
Time frame: 8 week
The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) is a clinical assessment tool used to evaluate upper limb function and recovery in individuals who have experienced a stroke or other neurological conditions affecting arm movement. The ARAT consists of a series of 19 items/tasks that assess different aspects of upper limb function, including reaching, grasping, gripping, and manipulating objects of various sizes and shapes. The tasks are scored based on the individual's ability to complete them successfully and the quality of movement exhibited during the task. Scores range from 0 to 3. (0=Unable to perform, 1= Partially performs the task, 2= Completes the task with some difficulty and 3= Completes the task without difficulty)
1 secondary outcome
Stroke Specific Quality of Life
Time frame: 8 week
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Mar 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes
Related trials for Stroke
RecruitingPhase 1/2
Safety and Efficacy of CG-BM1 in Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic Stroke or High-risk TIA (ABCD² ≥ 4)
Not yet recruitingPhase 3
Recombinant Human Prourokinase for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Extended Window Selected by CT-Based Artificial Intelligence
Acute Ischemic Stroke
Recruiting
Effects of Mirror Therapy and Motor Imagery on Upper Limb Motor Functions in Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke
Stroke
Recruiting
Rapid Local Ischemic Postconditioning on Stroke After Thrombectomy
Acute Ischemic Stroke
Not yet recruitingObservational study
The GEIR Registry: Rationale and Design of the First Nationwide Multicentre Retinal Stroke Registry in Spain
Retinal Artery Occlusion
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Mirza Obaid Baig, MSPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Transcranial direct current stimulation in people with Stroke, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
FMA-Upper Extremity (time frame: 8 week). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Mar 2025.