Chronic StrokeNCT06818240
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Dual-task Performance in Stroke
A study testing Active transcranial direct current stimulation in people with Chronic Stroke, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial 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… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 50 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Stroke
- What is being tested?
- Active transcranial direct current stimulation
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 1 Nov 2024to 28 Feb 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 50 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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)
Who cannot join
- unstable medical conditions, such as heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, or cancer
- presence of other comorbidities that could interfere with gait
- history of contraindications to tDCS, such as epilepsy or metal implants
- history of head injury, head surgery, or lower limb orthopedic issues
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Hong Kong1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, China
Shamay SM NG, PhD, +85227664889, shamay.ng@polyu.edu.hk
Shamay SM NG, PhD
About this study
Official title: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Enhances Dual-task Performance in People With Stroke
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.
Read the detailed description
Stroke often results in impaired control of lower limb movement, leading to abnormal gait patterns. During daily activities, walking in the community typically involves performing additional cognitive tasks simultaneously, such as remembering directions or engaging in social interactions. Individuals with stroke are particularly susceptible to dual-task interference and demonstrate a slower gait speed, decreased walking adaptability (e.g., obstacle avoidance), and poorer cognitive task performance during dual-task walking, which can increase the dual-task cost (DTC). Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a potential tool to reduce DTC, leading to behavioral modifications and improved cognitive functions. This study aims to investigate the effects of a single session of tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on dual-task walking performance in individuals with chronic stroke.
The study will be a repeated measure designed with two testing sessions (same time in a day, 7 ± 2 days apart between sessions). People with stroke fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be recruited from the local community. In each session, active or shame tDCS will be administered first, followed immediately by randomly assigned single and dual tasks. The stimulation will be delivered using a current stimulator (DC-STIMULATOR MOBILE, NeuroConn, Germany). The intensity is set at 2 mA for 30 min. The anode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 according to the EEG 10/20 system), while the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital ridge. The gait measurement is recorded by the Opal IMU sensor module and MobilityLab system (APDM Inc., USA).
Measurements of mobility will consist of two walking conditions: single-task and dual-task walking. For the walking test, we perform 'Stand and Walk for a 20-meter Round Trip (10 meters each way)(SWR), which consists of standing for 10 s, walking 10 m, turning, and walking 10 m back. The total time (TT) taken to complete one SWR test will be recorded. For the single cognitive tasks, participants will remain seated and perform the following: Random number, Word association, Counting forward, Serial subtraction. The time taken to complete each task will be equivalent to the TT recorded during the SSWR test. Additionally, the number of correct responses and errors made during the cognitive tasks will be recorded for further analysis. For the dual tasks, we will combine motor and cognitive tasks to assess dual-task performance. The specific dual tasks include SWR + Random Number, SWR + Word Association, SWR + Counting Forward, SWR + Serial Subtraction, SWR + Head Turns, and SWR+ Visual Fixation. The time taken to complete each task and the number of correct responses and errors made will be recorded for further analysis.
The primary outcomes include gait speed (m/s), stride length (m), and dual-task costs (DTC) for mobility and cognition speed. Each session will last approximately 60 min, including both tDCS and MobilityLab setup, and rest.
The findings may provide valuable insights into the use of tDCS as an adjunctive treatment for stroke patients. By enhancing the cortical activity of the left DLPFC through tDCS, it is anticipated that the dual-task cost would be reduced, which results in better dual-task performance and an improvement in daily function and overall quality of life for stroke survivors.
- Conditions
- Chronic Stroke
- Being tested
- Active transcranial direct current stimulation, Sham transcranial direct current stimulation
- Keywords
- transcranial direct current stimulation, stroke, dual task
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Active transcranial direct current stimulationDevice
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.
Sham transcranial direct current stimulationDevice
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| A constant current of 2 mA was applied for 30 minutes | Active comparator | 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. Receives: Device: Active transcranial direct current stimulation |
| no active current was applied throughout the stimulation phase | Sham comparator | 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. Receives: Device: Sham transcranial direct current stimulation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Gait speed
Kinematic data will be collected using a motion tracking system, the MobilityLab system (APDM Inc., Portland, OR, USA), and the Opal IMU sensor module (with 128 Hz sampling frequency). A total of eight sensors will be attached with Velcro straps to the sternum of the upper body, the lumbar region, and pairs of thighs, lower legs, and feet. The walking speed (m/s) will be recorded during each walking task.
Measured: Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention
Stride length
Kinematic data will be collected using a motion tracking system, the MobilityLab system (APDM Inc., Portland, OR, USA), and the Opal IMU sensor module (with 128 Hz sampling frequency). A total of eight sensors will be affixed using velcro belts, positioned on the sternum of the upper body, at the lumbar region, and on pairs of upper legs, lower legs, and feet. Stride length (m) will be recorded during each walking task.
Measured: Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention
Cognitive response rate
Cognitive performance will be evaluated during each task by the number of correct words per second, defined as the response rate (correct responses/second).
Measured: Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention
DTC- Mobility speed
The impact of dual-tasking will be quantified by calculating the dual-task cost (DTC) using the following formula: DTC (%) = (dual task outcome measure-single task outcome measure)/single task outcome measure × 100. DTC-mobility speed indicates the variation in speed used under dual-task versus single-task conditions.
Measured: Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention
DTC- Cognitive speed
The impact of dual-tasking will be quantified by calculating the dual-task cost (DTC) using the following formula: DTC (%) = (dual task outcome measure-single task outcome measure)/single task outcome measure × 100. For example, DTC-time reflects the variation in time taken to complete the SWR test under dual-task versus single-task conditions. DTC- Cognitive speed represents the variation in response rate under both conditions.
Measured: Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Feb 2025
- Study start1 Nov 2024
- Primary completion28 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion28 Feb 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Chronic 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
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Shamay Ng, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Investigators
- Shamay SM NG, PhD, Principal investigator, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06818240
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025_DUAL_STROKE
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Jan 2025
- Last updated
- 13 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Li S, Chen P, Qin Y, Wong TWL, Ng SSM. Transcranial direct current stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves dual-task performance in people with stroke. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2026 Apr 6;23(1):116. doi: 10.1186/s12984-026-01890-2.
PubMed 41943073
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Enhances Dual-task Performance in People With Stroke
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06818240
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2025_DUAL_STROKE
- Conditions
- Chronic Stroke
- Keywords
- transcranial direct current stimulation, stroke, dual task
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Nov 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 28 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 10 Feb 2025 (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.
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.
Detailed description
Stroke often results in impaired control of lower limb movement, leading to abnormal gait patterns. During daily activities, walking in the community typically involves performing additional cognitive tasks simultaneously, such as remembering directions or engaging in social interactions. Individuals with stroke are particularly susceptible to dual-task interference and demonstrate a slower gait speed, decreased walking adaptability (e.g., obstacle avoidance), and poorer cognitive task performance during dual-task walking, which can increase the dual-task cost (DTC). Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a potential tool to reduce DTC, leading to behavioral modifications and improved cognitive functions. This study aims to investigate the effects of a single session of tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on dual-task walking performance in individuals with chronic stroke.
The study will be a repeated measure designed with two testing sessions (same time in a day, 7 ± 2 days apart between sessions). People with stroke fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be recruited from the local community. In each session, active or shame tDCS will be administered first, followed immediately by randomly assigned single and dual tasks. The stimulation will be delivered using a current stimulator (DC-STIMULATOR MOBILE, NeuroConn, Germany). The intensity is set at 2 mA for 30 min. The anode will be placed over the left DLPFC (F3 according to the EEG 10/20 system), while the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital ridge. The gait measurement is recorded by the Opal IMU sensor module and MobilityLab system (APDM Inc., USA).
Measurements of mobility will consist of two walking conditions: single-task and dual-task walking. For the walking test, we perform 'Stand and Walk for a 20-meter Round Trip (10 meters each way)(SWR), which consists of standing for 10 s, walking 10 m, turning, and walking 10 m back. The total time (TT) taken to complete one SWR test will be recorded. For the single cognitive tasks, participants will remain seated and perform the following: Random number, Word association, Counting forward, Serial subtraction. The time taken to complete each task will be equivalent to the TT recorded during the SSWR test. Additionally, the number of correct responses and errors made during the cognitive tasks will be recorded for further analysis. For the dual tasks, we will combine motor and cognitive tasks to assess dual-task performance. The specific dual tasks include SWR + Random Number, SWR + Word Association, SWR + Counting Forward, SWR + Serial Subtraction, SWR + Head Turns, and SWR+ Visual Fixation. The time taken to complete each task and the number of correct responses and errors made will be recorded for further analysis.
The primary outcomes include gait speed (m/s), stride length (m), and dual-task costs (DTC) for mobility and cognition speed. Each session will last approximately 60 min, including both tDCS and MobilityLab setup, and rest.
The findings may provide valuable insights into the use of tDCS as an adjunctive treatment for stroke patients. By enhancing the cortical activity of the left DLPFC through tDCS, it is anticipated that the dual-task cost would be reduced, which results in better dual-task performance and an improvement in daily function and overall quality of life for stroke survivors.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| A constant current of 2 mA was applied for 30 minutes | Active comparator | Device: Active transcranial direct current stimulationIn 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. |
| no active current was applied throughout the stimulation phase | Sham comparator | Device: Sham transcranial direct current stimulationFor 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 50 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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)
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- unstable medical conditions, such as heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, or cancer
- presence of other comorbidities that could interfere with gait
- history of contraindications to tDCS, such as epilepsy or metal implants
- history of head injury, head surgery, or lower limb orthopedic issues
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Active transcranial direct current stimulationIn 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 | A constant current of 2 mA was applied for 30 minutes |
| Sham transcranial direct current stimulationIn 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. | Device | no active current was applied throughout the stimulation phase |
Primary outcome
Gait speed
Time frame: Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention
Kinematic data will be collected using a motion tracking system, the MobilityLab system (APDM Inc., Portland, OR, USA), and the Opal IMU sensor module (with 128 Hz sampling frequency). A total of eight sensors will be attached with Velcro straps to the sternum of the upper body, the lumbar region, and pairs of thighs, lower legs, and feet. The walking speed (m/s) will be recorded during each walking task.
Stride length
Time frame: Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention
Kinematic data will be collected using a motion tracking system, the MobilityLab system (APDM Inc., Portland, OR, USA), and the Opal IMU sensor module (with 128 Hz sampling frequency). A total of eight sensors will be affixed using velcro belts, positioned on the sternum of the upper body, at the lumbar region, and on pairs of upper legs, lower legs, and feet. Stride length (m) will be recorded during each walking task.
Cognitive response rate
Time frame: Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention
Cognitive performance will be evaluated during each task by the number of correct words per second, defined as the response rate (correct responses/second).
DTC- Mobility speed
Time frame: Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention
The impact of dual-tasking will be quantified by calculating the dual-task cost (DTC) using the following formula: DTC (%) = (dual task outcome measure-single task outcome measure)/single task outcome measure × 100. DTC-mobility speed indicates the variation in speed used under dual-task versus single-task conditions.
DTC- Cognitive speed
Time frame: Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention
The impact of dual-tasking will be quantified by calculating the dual-task cost (DTC) using the following formula: DTC (%) = (dual task outcome measure-single task outcome measure)/single task outcome measure × 100. For example, DTC-time reflects the variation in time taken to complete the SWR test under dual-task versus single-task conditions. DTC- Cognitive speed represents the variation in response rate under both conditions.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Oct 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41943073Li S, Chen P, Qin Y, Wong TWL, Ng SSM. Transcranial direct current stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves dual-task performance in people with stroke. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2026 Apr 6;23(1):116. doi: 10.1186/s12984-026-01890-2.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Shamay SM NG, PhD principal investigator
The Hong Kong Polytechnic 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 Active transcranial direct current stimulation in people with Chronic Stroke, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in Hong Kong.
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 4 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Oct 2026. 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 Hong Kong. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Shamay SM NG, PhD (+85227664889, shamay.ng@polyu.edu.hk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Gait speed (time frame: Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06818240, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 13 Oct 2026.