Combined tDCS and Vision Restoration Training in Subacute Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study

Phase 1

Completed

• Conditions: Hemianopia; Stroke
• Interventions: Behavioral: Standard rehabilitation; Device: tDCS

• Registration Number: NCT02935413
• Lead Sponsor: University of Magdeburg

Brief Summary

The purpose of this Study is to determine whether non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is effective in increasing rehabilitation effects after stroke in visual Cortex.

Detailed Description

Visual field defects after posterior cerebral artery stroke can be improved by vision restoration training (VRT), but when combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) which alters brain excitability, vision restoration can be potentiated in the chronic stage. Because it is possible that such therapy may be more effective during the early recovery phase after the stroke and can reach patients during the rehabilitation phase, investigators wished to explore the applicability, efficacy and safety of early intervention with a combined tDCS/VRT treatment.

Seven post-acute stroke homonymous hemianopia patients were assigned to 10 sessions of combined tDCS (2mA, 10 daily sessions of 15-20 min) and VRT. The primary outcome criterion was the pre-post change in perimetric detection thresholds in percent. The results were compared to 7 age and stroke lesion matched controls of our patient data pool who received standard rehabilitation.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2013-01
• Primary Completion: 2013-12
• Study Completion: 2013-12
• Status Verified: 2016-10
• Study First Submitted: 2016-10-13
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-10-13
• Last Update Submitted: 2016-10-13
• Study First Posted: 2016-10-17
• Last Update Posted: 2016-10-17

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 14

Inclusion Criteria

• Posterior Cerebral Artery Stroke
• Visual Field Defect
• Lesion age 4 weeks up to 6 month max

Exclusion Criteria

• Electrical Implants
• Metal artefacts in head
• Epilepsy
• Visual Neglect

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Standard rehabilitation	Standard rehabilitation	Standard rehabilitation procedures
tDCS	tDCS	group receiving complete treatment of transcranial direct current stimulation

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change of mean sensitivity (in dB) detection threshold from baseline to post-intervention	14-20 days post treatment,

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Neurologisches Therapiezentrum Gmundnerberg; 🇦🇹 Altmuenster, Austria

Inst. f. Medical Psychology, Univ. of Magdeburg; 🇩🇪 Magdeburg, Germany