RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Stimulation to Advance Stroke Rehabilitation

This study is exploring a new way to help people recover movement in their arms after a stroke. Many stroke survivors struggle with arm and hand movements, which can make daily life difficult. Researchers are using a gentle, non-invasive electrical brain stimulation, called tACS, that focuses on specific brain rhythms. The idea is to make the brain more responsive and adaptable during arm exercises, creating a better environment for learning and regaining movement. This could potentially improve how well people can use their arms and hands, making a real difference to their independence and quality of life. The study aims to see if this special type of stimulation, when timed with movement, can lead to better arm recovery.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2027

Stroke Upper Limb Function

What is this study about?

When someone has a stroke, it can often affect their ability to move their arm and hand well. This can make everyday tasks, like dressing or eating, much harder. While rehabilitation exercises are very important, scientists are always looking for new ways to make these exercises even more effective and help the brain recover better.

This study is investigating a technique called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). It's a gentle, non-invasive method where small electrical currents are passed through the scalp to specific areas of the brain. The idea behind tACS in this study is to directly influence the brain's natural rhythms, specifically those linked to movement and brain recovery. By timing this gentle stimulation with arm exercises, researchers hope to encourage the brain to be more 'plastic' – which means more adaptable and ready to learn new ways of moving.

The main goal is to see if this special type of brain stimulation, when combined with rehabilitation exercises, can improve how well people can move their arms after a stroke. If successful, this research could lead to new and more effective treatments that help stroke survivors regain more independence and improve their quality of life. The study compares this active stimulation with a 'sham' (or inactive) stimulation to ensure any improvements seen are genuinely due to the treatment being tested.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve arm movement after stroke using brain stimulation.
Uses a gentle electrical stimulation (tACS) during arm exercises.
Hopes to make the brain more adaptable for recovery.
Compares active stimulation with inactive ('sham') stimulation.
You need to be at least 18 and at least 3 months post-stroke.
Cannot participate if you have certain metal implants or other neurological conditions.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have had a stroke that affects your arm. You should be able to understand instructions and be willing to give your permission to be part of the study. It's also important that your stroke happened at least three months ago, and you are no longer receiving care in a hospital.

However, this study might not be right for everyone. If you have another condition that affects your movement, like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, or if you have certain metal implants in your body (like a pacemaker or some dental work) or a history of seizures, you might not be able to participate because of safety reasons related to the brain stimulation.

Also, if you are pregnant, or if you don't feel comfortable understanding and speaking English well enough to follow the study instructions and give your informed consent, you won't be able to join. The research team will carefully check all these points with you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did your stroke affect your arm, and can you perform some arm movements?
Was your stroke at least 3 months ago, and are you out of hospital care?
Do you understand and speak English well enough to follow instructions?
Do you *not* have a pacemaker or other metal/electronic implants in your head or body?
Do you *not* have a history of seizures or another condition affecting movement?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to come to several appointments at the research centre. During these visits, you'll perform specific arm exercises while receiving either the active brain stimulation (tACS) or a 'sham' (inactive) stimulation. You won't know which one you're receiving, as this helps make the study results clearer. Researchers will measure your arm movement and function before, during, and after the study to see if there are any improvements. The total number of sessions and the overall duration of your participation will be explained in detail by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in a study like this may have potential benefits, such as receiving specialised care and possibly improving your arm function through the brain stimulation and exercises. However, there are also potential risks, though tACS is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, some people might experience mild skin irritation or a tingling sensation. The researchers will explain all known risks to you. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB)
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is tACS?

tACS is a gentle, safe way to stimulate the brain using small electrical currents through the scalp to influence brain rhythms.

Is tACS painful?

Most people feel a mild tingling or itching sensation under the electrodes, but it is generally not painful.

Will I know if I'm getting the real or sham stimulation?

No, you won't. This is done to make sure the results are not influenced by what participants expect to happen.

How long does each study session last?

The exact duration of each visit will vary, but the research team will provide you with a detailed schedule.

Can I take part if I had my stroke a long time ago?

Yes, as long as it was at least three months ago, there's no upper limit mentioned for how long ago your stroke was.

How to find out more

Melanie Fleming, PhD

melanie.fleming@ndcn.ox.ac.uk +44 1865 611461 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.