This study evaluates a non-invasive electrical stimulation therapy applied to specific acupoints on the fingers (called Jing-Well points) to improve thinking and memory problems after stroke.
Purpose: Many stroke survivors develop cognitive difficulties (problems with memory, attention, and decision-making). Current treatments are limited. This study tests whether gentle electrical stimulation to hand acupoints can improve these symptoms.
Who can participate: Adults aged \[35-80\] who have had an ischemic stroke and now have mild to moderate cognitive impairment.
What happens: Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either (1) active electrical stimulation to hand Jing-Well points, (2) sham (fake) stimulation. Treatment will last 4 weeks, 6 sessions per week, each 30 minutes, with a stimulation frequency of 10 Hz and intensity adjusted to each participant's tolerance. Cognitive tests and brain imaging will be done before and after treatment.
Potential benefits: Participants may experience improved cognitive function. The study will also help researchers understand how this therapy works in the brain.
Risks: The electrical stimulation may cause mild tingling or skin irritation at the electrode sites. Brain imaging is non-invasive and safe. All procedures will be performed by trained professionals.
Aged 35-80 years;
Stroke duration within 2 weeks to 6 months post-onset;
Cognitive impairment confirmed by neuropsychological assessment: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score < 26;
Clinical evaluation excludes delirium, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, or other primary psychiatric/behavioral disorders as the principal cause of current cognitive impairment. No history of other known neurological diseases that may cause cognitive impairment (e.g., multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic dementia, normal pressure hydrocephalus, etc.);
Unstable vital signs or life-threatening comorbidities;
Implanted devices (cardiac pacemaker/defibrillator, deep brain stimulator, etc.);
History of epilepsy or epileptic seizures;
Pregnant or lactating women;
First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Lead sponsor
Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Collaborator