StrokeNCT06463795
tDCS and Lower Limb Performance in Stroke
A study testing tDCS in people with Stroke, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Lower limb rehabilitation is especially important, as the simple act of regaining the ability to walk has subsequent effects on the ability to engage in activities of daily living .So, this study will contribute in describing the management of lower limb motor recovery along with the therapeutic intervention (MRP)… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 35 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke
- What is being tested?
- tDCS
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2024to 31 Jan 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 35 to 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Stroke for more than 6 months.
- National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for severity level (Mild (1-4), Moderate (5-15), Moderate to Severe (16-20), Severe (21-42)
Who cannot join
- Epilepsy
- Scalp injury/ skin lesion e.g. psoriasis or eczema etc.
- Patient with lower limb amputation or any MSK/neurological disorder that limit the LE function
- Implanted medical devices including intracranial electrodes, surgical clips, shrapnel or a pacemaker
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Lower Limb Performance in Stroke Patients
Lower limb rehabilitation is especially important, as the simple act of regaining the ability to walk has subsequent effects on the ability to engage in activities of daily living .So, this study will contribute in describing the management of lower limb motor recovery along with the therapeutic intervention (MRP) with tDCS (anodal stimulation). This study aims to address some of the drawbacks observed in previous studies like allocation concealment, small sample size due to drop outs, short term effects of tDCS and experimental designs as well.
Read the detailed description
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) appears to be an intriguing adjuvant for stroke neurorehabilitation, though there are many other methods available. Depending on the polarity used, tDCS alters cortical excitability when electrodes applied over the motor cortex area (M1) to be stimulated, and the cathode above the contralateral eye (Orbital area), tDCS (thus termed anodal) increases cortical excitability. It is easy to use, safe and has minimal side effects like a sensation of itching, post-stimulation headache and sometimes mild nausea may experience. Numerous research indicates that cortical activity rises in conjunction with gait. According to a number of studies, corticospinal neuron activity either parallels or possibly even partially regulates the activity of spinal motor neurons during walking. There exist various techniques for implementing transcranial direct current stimulation in conjunction with multiple supplementary therapies.
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
tDCSDevice
active anodal tDCS
Sham tDCSDevice
sham anodal tDCS
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| tDCS Group | Experimental | Electrode placement: Anodal electrode placed over primary motor cortex area (M1) while the cathode placed over contralateral orbit.
Duration of 20 minutes with intensity of 2mA, ramping up and down at 8 seconds. the density of 0.07 C/cm2 for 3 days/week for 8 weeks Receives: Device: tDCS |
| Sham Group | Sham comparator | Electrode placement: Anodal electrode placed over primary motor cortex area (M1) while the cathode placed over contralateral orbit.
Duration of 20 minutes with intensity of 0.5mA, ramping up and down at 150 and 30 seconds respectively. There will be brief stimulation period of 3-5% active session duration the density of 0.07 C/cm2 for 3 days/week for 8 weeks Receives: Device: Sham tDCS |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
FMA-lower extremity
FMA-LE is a method used to measure motor function, balance, and function of joints in post-stroke patients. Fugl Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity (FMA-LE). FMA-LE is a method used to evaluate the performance of motor movement on the lower limbs (hips, knees, feet, and ankles) and predicts recovery function of motion in stroke patients. FMA-LE method consists of 17 items are organized into several sub-sections, namely reflection part, synergistic part, and coordination with Mild (˃45),Moderate (30-45),Severe (˂30) scores(12). It shows sensitivity of 0.87 and specificity of 0.81
Measured: 8 week
Six Minute walk Test
The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a functional walking test in which the distance that a stroke patient can walk within six minutes is evaluated. This test has been used to assess individuals with stroke, head injury and Parkinson's disease. There are no actual items to the 6MWT.It is a simple test that requires a 100-ft, quiet, indoor, flat, straight rectangular hallway. The walking course must be 30m in length. The length of the 30m corridor must be marked by colored tape at every 3m. The turnaround must be marked with a cone. Some studies have used 20 and 50m corridors. It has excellent test-retest reliability (0.99 distance in meters) among stroke survivors
Measured: 8 week
Secondary outcomes (1)
Stroke Specific Quality of Life
The Stroke Specific Quality Of Life scale (SS-QOL) is a patient-centered outcome measure intended to provide an assessment of health-related quality of life specific to patients with stroke. It is a self-report scale containing 49 items in 12 domains including Energy, Mobility, Upper extremity function, Work/productivity, Mood, Self-care, Social roles, Family roles, Vision, Language, Thinking, and Personality. Score ranges from 49 to 245. Higher scores indicate better QOL(14).It has a sensitivity of 70.0% and a specificity of 75.8%
Measured: 8 week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Jun 2024
- Study start1 Jul 2024
- Primary completion31 Dec 2024
- Study completion31 Jan 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Mirza Obaid Baig, MSPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06463795
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC01898 Saira Muzaffar Shah
- Status last verified
- Mar 2025
- First submitted
- 12 Jun 2024
- Last updated
- 24 Mar 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Elsner B, Kugler J, Pohl M, Mehrholz J. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for improving activities of daily living, and physical and cognitive functioning, in people after stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Nov 11;11(11):CD009645. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009645.pub4.
PubMed 33175411Clark B, Whitall J, Kwakkel G, Mehrholz J, Ewings S, Burridge J. The effect of time spent in rehabilitation on activity limitation and impairment after stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Oct 25;10(10):CD012612. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012612.pub2.
PubMed 34695300Bai X, Guo Z, He L, Ren L, McClure MA, Mu Q. Different Therapeutic Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Upper and Lower Limb Recovery of Stroke Patients with Motor Dysfunction: A Meta-Analysis. Neural Plast. 2019 Nov 16;2019:1372138. doi: 10.1155/2019/1372138. eCollection 2019.
PubMed 31827495
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Mar 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Lower Limb Performance in Stroke Patients
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06463795
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC01898 Saira Muzaffar Shah
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Keywords
- Stroke, Lower limb, transcranial direct current stimulation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jan 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 18 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Lower limb rehabilitation is especially important, as the simple act of regaining the ability to walk has subsequent effects on the ability to engage in activities of daily living .So, this study will contribute in describing the management of lower limb motor recovery along with the therapeutic intervention (MRP) with tDCS (anodal stimulation). This study aims to address some of the drawbacks observed in previous studies like allocation concealment, small sample size due to drop outs, short term effects of tDCS and experimental designs as well.
Detailed description
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) appears to be an intriguing adjuvant for stroke neurorehabilitation, though there are many other methods available. Depending on the polarity used, tDCS alters cortical excitability when electrodes applied over the motor cortex area (M1) to be stimulated, and the cathode above the contralateral eye (Orbital area), tDCS (thus termed anodal) increases cortical excitability. It is easy to use, safe and has minimal side effects like a sensation of itching, post-stimulation headache and sometimes mild nausea may experience. Numerous research indicates that cortical activity rises in conjunction with gait. According to a number of studies, corticospinal neuron activity either parallels or possibly even partially regulates the activity of spinal motor neurons during walking. There exist various techniques for implementing transcranial direct current stimulation in conjunction with multiple supplementary therapies.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| tDCS Group | Experimental | Device: tDCSElectrode placement: Anodal electrode placed over primary motor cortex area (M1) while the cathode placed over contralateral orbit. Duration of 20 minutes with intensity of 2mA, ramping up and down at 8 seconds. the density of 0.07 C/cm2 for 3 days/week for 8 weeks |
| Sham Group | Sham comparator | Device: Sham tDCSElectrode placement: Anodal electrode placed over primary motor cortex area (M1) while the cathode placed over contralateral orbit. Duration of 20 minutes with intensity of 0.5mA, ramping up and down at 150 and 30 seconds respectively. There will be brief stimulation period of 3-5% active session duration the density of 0.07 C/cm2 for 3 days/week for 8 weeks |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 35 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Stroke for more than 6 months.
- National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for severity level (Mild (1-4), Moderate (5-15), Moderate to Severe (16-20), Severe (21-42)
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Epilepsy
- Scalp injury/ skin lesion e.g. psoriasis or eczema etc.
- Patient with lower limb amputation or any MSK/neurological disorder that limit the LE function
- Implanted medical devices including intracranial electrodes, surgical clips, shrapnel or a pacemaker
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| tDCSactive anodal tDCS | Device | tDCS Group |
| Sham tDCSsham anodal tDCS | Device | Sham Group |
Primary outcome
FMA-lower extremity
Time frame: 8 week
FMA-LE is a method used to measure motor function, balance, and function of joints in post-stroke patients. Fugl Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity (FMA-LE). FMA-LE is a method used to evaluate the performance of motor movement on the lower limbs (hips, knees, feet, and ankles) and predicts recovery function of motion in stroke patients. FMA-LE method consists of 17 items are organized into several sub-sections, namely reflection part, synergistic part, and coordination with Mild (˃45),Moderate (30-45),Severe (˂30) scores(12). It shows sensitivity of 0.87 and specificity of 0.81
Six Minute walk Test
Time frame: 8 week
The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a functional walking test in which the distance that a stroke patient can walk within six minutes is evaluated. This test has been used to assess individuals with stroke, head injury and Parkinson's disease. There are no actual items to the 6MWT.It is a simple test that requires a 100-ft, quiet, indoor, flat, straight rectangular hallway. The walking course must be 30m in length. The length of the 30m corridor must be marked by colored tape at every 3m. The turnaround must be marked with a cone. Some studies have used 20 and 50m corridors. It has excellent test-retest reliability (0.99 distance in meters) among stroke survivors
1 secondary outcome
Stroke Specific Quality of Life
Time frame: 8 week
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Mar 2025.
- Background: PubMed 33175411Elsner B, Kugler J, Pohl M, Mehrholz J. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for improving activities of daily living, and physical and cognitive functioning, in people after stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Nov 11;11(11):CD009645. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009645.pub4.
- Background: PubMed 34695300Clark B, Whitall J, Kwakkel G, Mehrholz J, Ewings S, Burridge J. The effect of time spent in rehabilitation on activity limitation and impairment after stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Oct 25;10(10):CD012612. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012612.pub2.
- Background: PubMed 31827495Bai X, Guo Z, He L, Ren L, McClure MA, Mu Q. Different Therapeutic Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Upper and Lower Limb Recovery of Stroke Patients with Motor Dysfunction: A Meta-Analysis. Neural Plast. 2019 Nov 16;2019:1372138. doi: 10.1155/2019/1372138. eCollection 2019.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Mirza Obaid Baig, MSPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing tDCS in people with Stroke, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
FMA-lower extremity (time frame: 8 week). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06463795, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Mar 2025.