Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Enhance Training Effectiveness in Chronic Post-Stroke Aphasia

This study explores if combining a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with intensive speech therapy can better help people who have difficulty speaking after a stroke. This condition is called aphasia. The researchers want to find out if this combined approach leads to better communication skills compared to going through speech therapy with a fake (placebo) stimulation. If successful, this could offer a new way to improve recovery for people living with long-term speech difficulties following a stroke. The study is particularly interested in improving everyday communication and building on promising earlier research into this approach.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Medicine Greifswald

Enrolment target

130

Start

06 Dec 2019

Estimated completion

04 Aug 2026

Aphasia Post-stroke

What is this study about?

Many people struggle with speaking, understanding, reading, or writing after a stroke. This is called aphasia. While speech therapy is very helpful, researchers are always looking for new ways to make it even more effective. This study is investigating one such possibility: combining intense speech therapy with a gentle brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

tDCS involves placing small electrodes on the scalp to deliver a very mild electrical current. This current doesn't hurt and is thought to help make the parts of the brain involved in speech more active and ready to learn during therapy. The study aims to compare how well people recover their communication skills when they receive speech therapy plus real tDCS, versus speech therapy with a 'fake' (or sham) stimulation that feels similar but doesn't deliver the current.

The main goal is to see if this combination helps people improve their communication performance more significantly than speech therapy alone. Researchers are keen to see if this approach can lead to important improvements in day-to-day life for people with long-term aphasia after a stroke. If the results are positive, it could lead to new ways of helping people recover from stroke more effectively.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve communication after stroke.
Combines speech therapy with brain stimulation (tDCS).
Compares real tDCS to a placebo (fake) stimulation.
Focuses on improving daily communication skills.
Participation involves intensive therapy and assessments.
Results could lead to new treatment options.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, people generally need to be between 18 and 70 years old and have experienced a stroke that caused speech problems (aphasia). Your stroke must have happened at least six months ago. You'll need to have been diagnosed with aphasia through a special test and have moderate to severe difficulty finding words, but still be able to understand basic instructions and speak a little.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain medical devices like a pacemaker, or if you've had seizures recently or have other serious brain conditions. It's also important that you haven't had more than one stroke that affected your speech, and that your speech or hearing problems aren't so severe that they would stop you from taking part in the speech therapy.

The medical team will carefully check your health and medical history, including any medications you're taking, to make sure it's safe and appropriate for you to participate in the study. You'll also need to be a native German speaker.

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 between 18 and 70 years old?
Did you have a stroke at least 6 months ago that caused speech problems?
Do you have speech difficulties, but can still understand basic instructions?
Do you have a pacemaker or a history of seizures? (If yes, you might not be eligible).

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study would involve regular sessions where you would receive speech therapy and either real or pretend (sham) brain stimulation. You would have different assessments and tests at the beginning, during, and at the end of the study to measure your communication skills and see how you are improving. This might include speech and language tests and possibly some brain scans.

The therapy sessions would be intensive, meaning they would happen frequently over a period of time. You would need to attend workshops and follow-up appointments. The exact number of visits, the total duration of your participation, and details about medication changes would be explained fully by the study team, as these vary for each individual and the study design.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include receiving intensive speech therapy and trying a new approach (tDCS) that might improve your communication skills more effectively than standard therapy alone. However, there's no guarantee that tDCS will work for everyone, and it's also possible you might receive the placebo stimulation. Potential risks are generally low with tDCS, but might include minor scalp irritation, tingling, or a headache, which are usually mild and temporary. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular medical care.

Locations (19)

Aphasiestation RWTH Aachen
Verified postcode
Aachen, Germany
Kliniken Schmieder Allensbach
Verified postcode
Allensbach, Germany
Schön Klinik Bad Aibling Harthausen
Verified postcode
Bad Aibling, Germany
Wicker Klinik Bad Homburg
Verified postcode
Bad Homburg, Germany
Moritz Kliniken Bad Klosterlausnitz
Verified postcode
Bad Klosterlausnitz, Germany
Median Klinik Bad Sülze
Verified postcode
Bad Sülze, Germany
ZAR Berlin
Verified postcode
Berlin, Germany
Kliniken Schmieder Gailingen
Verified postcode
Gailingen, Germany
Klinikum Christophsbad Göppingen
Verified postcode
Göppingen, Germany
University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology
Verified postcode
Greifswald, Germany
BDH-Klinik Greifswald gGmbH
Verified postcode
Greifswald, Germany
Kliniken Schmieder Heidelberg
Verified postcode
Heidelberg, Germany

Common questions

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a condition that affects your ability to communicate after a brain injury, like a stroke. It can make it hard to speak, understand, read, or write.

What is tDCS?

tDCS stands for transcranial direct current stimulation. It's a gentle, non-invasive way of applying a very mild electrical current to the scalp to encourage brain activity.

Will I know if I'm getting real or fake stimulation?

No, you won't know whether you're receiving the real tDCS or the placebo (fake) stimulation. This is standard in studies to ensure the results are fair.

How long will the therapy sessions last?

The study mentions 'intensive' therapy, meaning frequent sessions. The research team will explain the specific schedule and duration of the therapy sessions to you.

What happens after the study ends?

After the study, workshops will be held with experts to discuss the findings and help ensure any successful new treatments can be used in wider medical practice.