Dual-task Training Combined with TDCS on Cognitive-motor Performance and Brain Activity in Stroke Patients (dual-task tDCS)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Stroke; Cortical Excitability

Treatments: Other: active tDCS with dual-task training; Other: sham tDCS with dual-task training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06769672

Marco PANG_tDCS

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to evaluate tDCS combined with cognitive-motor training on dual-task interference during dual-task walking, dual-task foot pedaling and the corresponding alterations of brain activity.

Full description

In China, the prevalence of stroke increased by 106.0% (93.7-118.8) between 1990 and 2019, highlighting the persistent and substantial burden of this condition. Post-stroke recovery, particularly the ability to achieve community ambulation, plays a critical role in improving health-related quality of life. Effective community ambulation in daily life requires the ability to dual-task-namely, to perform concurrent tasks requiring attentional resources while maintaining walking function and balance. Emerging evidence suggests that stroke survivors face greater challenges in walking function and dual-task balance compared to their age-matched, able-bodied counterparts. For instance, when tasked with recalling a shopping list while walking, stroke patients exhibit a more pronounced decline in both walking speed and cognitive performance relative to control groups. Given the necessity for stroke survivors to reintegrate into the community, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate this phenomenon of cognitive-motor interference.

Enrollment: 72 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 50+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• a diagnosis of stroke, stroke onset of more than 6 months,
• aged 50 or more,
• capable of following verbal and visual instructions,
• having a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score ≥ 22,
• able to walk for 10 meters with/without a mobility aid,
• community-dwelling, unilateral stroke

Exclusion criteria

• neurological disorders, gait-precluding pain or comorbidity,
• receiving any formal rehabilitation training,
• contraindications to exercise (e.g., unstable angina),
• contraindications to fNIRS, MRI, and tDCS (e.g., brain skin injury, pacemaker, metal implants in the brain),
• history of seizure or epilepsy,
• color blindness.
• unable to walk with/without a mobility aid while responsing stimulus by the remote control

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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72 participants in 2 patient groups

active tDCS combined with dual-task group

Experimental group

Description:

patients receive three active tDCS and three dual motor-cognitive exercise training per week for four weeks.

Treatment:

Other: active tDCS with dual-task training

sham tDCS combined with dual-task group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Patients receive three sham tDCS and three dual cognitive-motor exercise training per week for four weeks.

Treatment:

Other: sham tDCS with dual-task training