RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06842095

Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Stimulation to Advance Stroke Rehabilitation

Investigating the Effects of Beta Transcranial Stimulation to Advance Stroke Rehabilitation

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Feb 1, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Stroke Upper Limb Function

Summary

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has the potential to boost rehabilitation after stroke by creating a 'pro-plastic' environment, where the brain is more adaptable in response to movement (motor) training. However, responses to classical NIBS protocols are highly variable. Movement-related changes in specific brain rhythms have previously been shown to be related to recovery of hand/arm function after a stroke. The investigators propose to use NIBS to target movement-related activity in the beta band (13-30Hz) within the motor cortical regions of the brain. The investigators will use a type of NIBS called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), which uses a sinusoidally-varying electrical current where the stimulation frequency is determined to be relevant to the underlying brain rhythms of interest, and the stimulation timed to coincide with specific phases of the hand/arm movement. The primary aim is to investigate whether beta-tACS improves upper limb movement in stroke survivors.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
Aged 18 years or above.
Clinical diagnosis of stroke affecting the upper limb, with sufficient ability to perform the upper limb reaching task.
At least 3 months post-stroke and discharged from inpatient care.

Exclusion Criteria4

Inability to follow task instructions.
Other neurological condition affecting movement (e.g. Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis).
Standard contraindications to non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tACS). including (but not limited to) the presence of intracranial metallic or magnetic hardware, seizures, pregnancy, and the presence of a pacemaker or other stimulators/implants.
Insufficient verbal and written English to comprehend the study and provide informed consent.

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Interventions

OTHERTranscranial Alternating Current Stimulation (beta-tACS)

The study intervention is transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). The electrode montage will include one electrode positioned on the scalp over the left or right motor cortex (either C3 or C4 using the international 10-20 EEG system), depending on the location of the stroke, and a second electrode over posterior area (Pz). A low intensity of stimulation (max. 4 mA peak to peak amplitude) will be used for up to 30 minutes in total (delivered in short bouts of up to 5 seconds based on the timing of movement of the upper limb).

OTHERTranscranial Alternating Current Stimulation (sham)

The comparator is sham stimulation. Stimulation is delivered for a very short duration or timed in such a way relative to movement to mimic the scalp sensations of the active stimulation without delivering stimulation that would be anticipated to impact relevant brain activity rhythms.