Bifocal Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Targeting the Frontoparietal Network in Stroke Patients
Bifocal Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Targeting the Frontoparietal Network in Stroke Patients to Enhance Network Connectivity
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
20 participants
Feb 3, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Hand and arm function is often significantly impaired in stroke patients, making its recovery a primary goal in rehabilitative treatment. This study investigates the effects of bifocal transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on the frontoparietal network in stroke patients during the subacute to chronic recovery phase. By using non-invasive brain stimulation, the study aims to modulate the neural network connectivity between the ipsilesional parietal and premotor cortices. Electroencephalography and kinematic data will be utilized to assess the impact of tACS on functional connectivity and its subsequent effect on motor function. The ultimate goal is to enhance functional coupling within these networks to promote motor function in stroke patients.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- First-ever clinical stroke
- Signed informed consent
- First-ever clinical ischemic stroke at least 3 months ago
- Stimulation areas (PMv and IPS) are unaffected
- Residual deficits in the upper limb
Exclusion Criteria7
- Presence of additional neurological or psychiatric disorders
- Use of psychotropic medication
- Pregnancy or potential pregnancy in female participants
- Pacemakers, other stimulators, or medication pumps
- Claustrophobia
- Non-MRI-compatible metallic implants or foreign objects in the body
- Contraindications for transcranial alternating current stimulation (e.g., epilepsy, history of seizures, any type of pacemaker)
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Interventions
21 minutes and 30 seconds of bifocal stimulation at 3 mA peak-to-peak per field, targeting the aIPS and PMv of the lesioned hemisphere. The stimulation is delivered at 24 Hz with the waveforms of both fields aligned in phase. A 10-second ramp-up at the beginning and a 10-second ramp-down at the end are included to ensure participant comfort. The protocol is administered using the Starstim® device with gel-based electrodes, each with a π cm² surface area.
21 minutes and 30 seconds of bifocal stimulation at 3 mA peak-to-peak per field over the aIPS and PMv of the lesioned hemisphere at 24 Hz. In this condition, the waveforms of the two fields are shifted by 180°, creating an out-of-phase stimulation pattern. A 10-second ramp-up and ramp-down are included, and the protocol is administered using the Starstim® device with gel-based electrodes, each with a π cm² surface area.
21 minutes and 30 seconds of stimulation mimicking the setup of active tACS, with an initial 10-second ramp-up followed by a 10-second ramp-down. The remainder of the session is stimulation-free. This protocol is administered using the Starstim® device and gel-based electrodes with a π cm² surface area, maintaining the same setup as the active conditions to ensure comparability.
Locations(1)
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NCT06809959