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RECRUITING Not applicable ClinicalTrials.gov

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Dual-task Performance in Stroke

Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University • ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06818240

Registry updated: 2026-10-13
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Description

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.

Interventions

  • Active transcranial direct current stimulation (Device)
    In 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 (Device)
    In 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.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * 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) Exclusion Criteria: * 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

Conditions

Chronic Stroke

Locations

  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, China, Hong Kong
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Official Source

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

View Official Record