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Optimal Targeted High-definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Post-stroke Upper Limb Motor Impairments

This study is looking at how to improve arm and hand movement after a stroke. It tests a non-invasive (meaning it doesn't go inside the body) brain stimulation method called high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Researchers will compare a personalized, optimal tDCS treatment with a sham (placebo) tDCS, both combined with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT). mCIMT is a therapy where the unaffected arm is restricted to encourage use of the affected arm. You might be able to join if you are 18 or older, have had a stroke affecting one side of your body, and have significant arm and hand weakness. The study will measure success by looking at changes in your arm and hand function using a score called the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity score. The current status of this study is unclear, and it plans to enroll 16 participants.

Study design
This study is an interventional study with an unclear status, planning to enroll 16 participants. It compares two types of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) – an optimal individualized treatment and a sham (placebo) treatment – both given alongside modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT).
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary outcome is measured right after the final intervention session.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07599774

Optimal Targeted High-definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Reducing Post-stroke Upper Limb Motor Impairments

Not Yet Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Carle Foundation Hospital
~16 participants
Updated 2026-05-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:High-definition transcranial direct stimulation: shamHigh-definition transcranial direct stimulation: optimalModified constraint-induced movement therapy

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity score from baseline
Measured over Right after the final intervention session

Conditions

Hemiparetic Stroke

Explore related trials

HemiparesisMotor impairmentStroke

NCT07599774

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Carle Foundation Hospital

    Urbana, Illinoisstudy coordinator listed

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Who to contact

Yuan Yang, PhD, MS
[email protected]
217-244-5870
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Must be 18 years or older
Must have had a stroke that resulted in paresis confined to one side. The use of a wheelchair or other assisting devices are not exclusionary.
Must have substantial motor impairment of the paretic upper limb
Absence of severe wasting or contracture or significant sensory deficits in the paretic upper limb
Absence of severe concurrent medical problems (e.g. cardiorespiratory impairment)
Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Score of 8-50 based on assessment performed during the baseline visit.
Must have had either MRI or CT of the brain performed at Carle as part of their stroke care. Imaging may have been performed either during the diagnostic work-up for stroke or as follow-up after diagnosis. The most recent images from either MRI or CT will be collected for this study.
Capacity to provide informed consent and participate in English (Since this study is a clinical trial and the team is yet to provide the translation service at this stage, the study is restricted to those who can consent and participate in English only).
Must be willing and able to perform study procedures

Exclusion

Self-reported sensitive skin or adhesive allergy as assessed by the tDCS Safety Screening Questionnaire
Has a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator or an implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy device
Has metal implants in the head and/or brain
Presence of muscle tone abnormalities and motor or sensory impairment in the non-paretic limb
Presence of severe muscle wasting or contracture or significant sensory deficits in the paretic upper limb
Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study period
History of epilepsy, febrile convulsion, recurrent fainting spells or unexplained recurring headaches
Current use of illicit/recreational drugs
Currently undergoing anti-malarial treatment. (Note: participants can be considered for study participation after ant-malarial treatment has been discontinued)
Has known adverse reaction to TMS or tDCS

What this trial measures

  • Change in the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity score from baselineRight after the final intervention session

    Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FM-UE) is a measure of motor impairment (0 to 66 points, with higher points indicating less impairment). FM-UE scale consists of a 33-item assessment which provides a global assessment of upper extremity motor impairment. A rater provides an ordinal rating (2=near normal ability/response, 1=partial ability, 0=unable to perform/no response) for each item.