Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Dual-task Performance in Stroke
ConditionChronic Stroke
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age50-80
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
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)
Disqualifiers
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 design
Design model
Crossover
Treatments tested in this trial
Active transcranial direct current stimulation
DeviceIn 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 stimulation
DeviceIn 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.
Treatment groups
50 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: A constant current of 2 mA was applied for 30 minutesActive comparator 1 intervention
Group B: no active current was applied throughout the stimulation phaseSham comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
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.
Time frame
Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention2
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.
Time frame
Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention3
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).
Time frame
Immediately after the active/sham tDCS intervention4
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.
Time frame
Immediately after the active/sham tDCS interventionSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov