Neurorehabilitation, Stroke
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to determine if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)applied over the lower extremity motor cortex in conjunction with treadmill training is effective for improving gait in patients with subacute stroke and to evaluate the effect and predictive value of a single session of anodal tDCS.
Interventions
DEVICETranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
A direct current runs between two electrode positions and affects the excitability of the underlying brain tissue
Sponsors
University of Aarhus
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age ≥ 18 years * Onset of stroke less than 14 days * First ischemic stroke causing lower limb weakness (MRC score ≤4 in knee extensors) and gait impairment
Exclusion criteria
* Contraindications to MRI or TMS * Other neurological disorders * Significant somatic or psychiatric disorders * History of seizures * Language or cognitive disorders prohibiting participation
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Maximal gait speed using the 10-m walking test | Baseline and follow up immediately following the 4 weeks intervention |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in cortical excitability measures | Baseline | We will measure cortical excitability using single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before and after 1st stimulation session. We will compare the measurements from before stimulation to after stimulation. |
| Dynamometry: the maximal isometric force of muscles will be assessed by Biodex System 3 PRO dynamometer | Baseline and immediately following the 4 weeks intervention | — |
Countries
Denmark
Outcome results
None listed