Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Intensive Therapy in Aphasia
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Aphasia
- Sponsor
- University of Michigan
- Enrollment
- 25
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in Boston Naming Score
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 4 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Intensive therapy for aphasia has been demonstrated to improve language functioning after stroke or other neurological injury. However, recovery is generally not complete and new therapies are needed to improve outcomes. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to improve outcomes with motor therapy after stroke. This study will examine the feasibility of using tDCS with intensive language therapy as a way of enhancing language outcomes in aphasia
Detailed Description
Intensive therapy for aphasia has been demonstrated to improve language functioning after stroke or other neurological injury. However, recovery is generally not complete and new therapies are needed to improve outcomes. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to improve outcomes with motor therapy after stroke. This study will examine the feasibility of using tDCS supplementing clinically determined intensive language therapy as a way of enhancing language outcomes in aphasia. Eligible clients enrolled in the University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP) will be invited to participate in the study. Clients will receive 20 minutes of tDCS every day along with their usual treatment protocol. Pre and post testing will be completed to assess for improvement in language functioning. This is a feasibility and proof of concept study to determine if a randomized control trial should be pursued
Investigators
Carol Persad
Associate Professor
University of Michigan
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Diagnosis of aphasia
- •Enrolled in intensive therapy program at the University of Michigan Aphasia Program.
- •Ability to understand and give consent to treatment.
Exclusion Criteria
- •No metal implants or surgical devices
- •History of seizures
- •History of significant cognitive or psychiatric disturbance
- •Participant cannot be pregnant at the time of study
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in Boston Naming Score
Time Frame: baseline and 4 weeks
This test assesses confrontational naming ability to 60 line drawings. Scores range from 0-60 with higher scores representing better performance. Outcome was derived as followed : Picture naming score post tDCS minus picture naming score pre tDCS
Change in Controlled Oral Word Fluency
Time Frame: baseline and 4 weeks
This test assesses the number of words that can be generated in one minute that begin with certain letters. The total number of words generated for three letters is derived. Higher scores represent better performance. Changes in word fluency were calculated as follows: number of words generated post tDCS minus number of words generated pre tDCS
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in Western Aphasia Quotient Score(baseline and 4 weeks)