Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in Chronic Aphasia

Part of paid clinical trials in New York, New York.

Sponsor
City University of New York
Study ID
NCT04142866
Status
Recruiting
Apply to this trial

Conditions

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
21 Years - 80 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation — DEVICE
    2 milliamps (mA) of stimulation is induced between two 5 cm x 7 cm saline soaked sponges where one sponge (anode) is placed on the scalp over the targeted cortical region and the other (cathode) is placed on the right side of the forehead. Ramping up of the current to 2 milliamps (mA) occurs over 30 seconds to allow participants to habituate to the tingling sensation. In the active tDCS condition, stimulation continues for the first 20 minutes of the 60-minute treatment session, and then ramps back down to 0 milliamps (mA).
  • Sham transcranial direct current stimulation — DEVICE
    2 milliamps (mA) of stimulation is induced between two 5 cm x 7 cm saline soaked sponges where one sponge (anode) is placed on the scalp over the targeted cortical region and the other (cathode) is placed on the right side of the forehead. Ramping up of the current to 2 milliamps (mA) occurs over 30 seconds to allow participants to habituate to the tingling sensation. In the sham tDCS condition, the current is only on for 30 seconds before it is ramped back down to 0 milliamps (mA), although the electrodes are still worn for 20 minutes.
  • Speech-Language Therapy (SLT) — BEHAVIORAL
    Therapy provided is Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST). Therapy sessions last for 60 minutes and are provided twice weekly for 8 weeks. Active or sham tDCS is delivered during the first 20 minutes of therapy. The therapist is blinded to stimulation condition (active or sham).

Study Details

The purpose of this study is to assess changes in language abilities of participants with chronic, post-stroke aphasia following an 8-week therapy period combined with brain stimulation. The investigators use a stimulation method called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The investigators cover two electrodes in damp sponges, place them on the scalp, and pass a weak electrical current between them. Some of this current passes through the brain and can change brain activity. One electrode is placed over language areas a bit above and in front of the left ear. The other is placed on the forehead above the right eye. Stimulation is provided twice a week for 8 weeks during aphasia therapy. The investigators believe that this stimulation may increase the effectiveness of therapy.

Key Dates

Start date
Jan 3, 2025
Status verified
Jan 2025
Primary completion
Dec 31, 2026
Completion
Dec 31, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
30 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: A-tDCS & speech-language therapy
    Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (2 milliamps \[mA\]) plus aphasia therapy for 16 sessions (20-minutes per each 60-minute treatment session) over the course of 8 weeks. The electrical current will be administered over ventral inferior frontal gyrus. The stimulation will be delivered at an intensity of 2 milliamps (mA) for a maximum of 20 minutes.
  • Sham Comparator: Sham-tDCS & speech-language therapy
    Sham transcranial direct current stimulation (2 milliamps \[mA\]) plus aphasia therapy for 16 sessions (20-minutes per each 60-minute treatment session) over the course of 8 weeks. Electrodes will be placed as in A-tDCS. Current will be ramped up for the first 30 seconds following which the intensity will drop to 0 milliamps (mA).

Primary Outcome Measure

Production of Correct Information Units (CIUs) on Discourse Tasks [ Time Frame: Collected twice at baseline, immediately (<1 week) post-treatment, and at 8 week follow-up ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
City University of New YorkNew YorkNew York10016
E. Susan Duncan, PhD, CCC-SLP
[email protected]
212-817-8804
E. Susan Duncan, PhD, CCC-SLP (PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR)

Find similar trials in New York, NY

By condition
Stroke
By specialty
NeurologyBrain disorders
By research site
City University of New York· New York, NY

Related Studies