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Dual-task Training Combined With tDCS on Cognitive-motor Performance and Brain Activity in Stroke Patients

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Stroke
Cortical Excitability
Registration Number
NCT06769672
Lead Sponsor
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate tDCS combined with cognitive-motor training on dual-task interference during dual-task walking, dual-task foot pedaling and the corresponding alterations of brain activity.

Detailed Description

In China, the prevalence of stroke increased by 106.0% (93.7-118.8) between 1990 and 2019, highlighting the persistent and substantial burden of this condition. Post-stroke recovery, particularly the ability to achieve community ambulation, plays a critical role in improving health-related quality of life. Effective community ambulation in daily life requires the ability to dual-task-namely, to perform concurrent tasks requiring attentional resources while maintaining walking function and balance. Emerging evidence suggests that stroke survivors face greater challenges in walking function and dual-task balance compared to their age-matched, able-bodied counterparts. For instance, when tasked with recalling a shopping list while walking, stroke patients exhibit a more pronounced decline in both walking speed and cognitive performance relative to control groups. Given the necessity for stroke survivors to reintegrate into the community, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate this phenomenon of cognitive-motor interference.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
72
Inclusion Criteria
  • a diagnosis of stroke, stroke onset of more than 6 months,
  • aged 50 or more,
  • capable of following verbal and visual instructions,
  • having a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score ≥ 22,
  • able to walk for 10 meters with/without a mobility aid,
  • community-dwelling, unilateral stroke
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Exclusion Criteria
  • neurological disorders, gait-precluding pain or comorbidity,
  • receiving any formal rehabilitation training,
  • contraindications to exercise (e.g., unstable angina),
  • contraindications to fNIRS, MRI, and tDCS (e.g., brain skin injury, pacemaker, metal implants in the brain),
  • history of seizure or epilepsy,
  • color blindness.
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Dual-task gait speedThrough study completion, an average of 1 year

Gait speed under dual-task condition will be recorded

Dual-task cognitive performanceThrough study completion, an average of 1 year

Number of correct responses will be measured during dual-task conditions

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Oxyhemoglobin concentration changes of the brainThrough study completion, an average of 1 year

Oxyhemoglobin concentration changes will be measured using functional near infra-red spectroscopy during dual-task walking

Dual-task gait performance 1Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Gait cadence will be measured during dual-task walking

Dual-task gait performance 2Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Gait cycle duration will be measured during dual-task walking

Dual-task gait performance 3Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Stride length will be measured during dual-task walking

Dual-task cognitive performance 1Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Correct reaction time under dual-task walking will be recorded

Blood oxygenation level changes of the brainThrough study completion, an average of 1 year

Blood oxygenation level changes will be measured using Magnetic Resonance Imaging during dual-task foot pedaling

Dual-task stride timeThrough study completion, an average of 1 year

Stride time under dual-task foot pedaling will be recorded

Dual-task cognitive performance 2Through study completion, an average of 1 year

Number of correct responses under dual-task foot pedaling will be recorded

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

🇭🇰

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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