Comparing Brain Stimulation Methods to Help Recovery After Stroke
Tests two kinds of brain stimulation in adults recovering from stroke.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Evaluating Different Protocols of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) in Stroke Rehabilitation
Key facts
- Where
- Singapore, SingaporeSee the 2 sites
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 21 and 80 years old?
Source: NCT07786649, who can take part
Where in Singapore
- Alexandra HospitalSingapore, SingaporeTaking people
- National University HospitalSingapore, SingaporeTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- National University Hospital, Singapore
- Trial code
- NCT07786649
- Record updated
- 26 August 2026
- Original description
This study aims to improve brain stimulation techniques for stroke patients dealing with motor and language issues. Researchers believe that current practices lack clarity because patients aren't grouped effectively and stimulation methods vary widely.Read full original descriptionShow less
Evaluating Different Protocols of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) in Stroke Rehabilitation
This study aims to improve brain stimulation techniques for stroke patients dealing with motor and language issues. Researchers believe that current practices lack clarity because patients aren't grouped effectively and stimulation methods vary widely.
The study will include 250 participants from Alexandra Hospital and National University Hospital. Once someone is eligible and agrees to join, they'll first undergo a baseline assessment to evaluate their condition. After that, they'll receive non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) over the course of a month.
Participants will be assigned to specific NIBS treatments-either transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)-based on their rehabilitation goals, medical history, and initial assessment results. Those needing to improve upper or lower limb movement, alleviate language difficulties (aphasia), or address neglect will receive tailored interventions: 20 sessions of tDCS or 12 sessions of rTMS.
After the treatment, participants will be assessed again immediately and then six weeks later to measure any changes in their condition.
Inclusion: Age 21-80 years old; Diagnosis of stroke, with good premorbid function; Presenting with at least 1 of the following functional impairment:; 3a. Upper limb motor impairment with the sum of Medical Research Council grades for shoulder abduction and finger Extension (SAFE) ≤ 8; 3b. Lower limb motor impairment with Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) 0-3; 3c. Neglect as assessed by Behavioural Inattention Test with a cut-off of \<129 and Catherine Bergego Scale with a cut-off of \>5/30 3d. Expressive Aphasia as indicated by AusTOMS score of 1-4 (mild to severe) in the Language and Speech scales 4. Being able to follow instruction and give consent.
Exclusion: cardiac pacemakers; Sensorimotor disturbance due to other causes other than stroke; Uncontrolled medical conditions including hypertension, diabetes mellitus and unstable angina; Major depression and a history of psychotic disorders; Cognitive impairment and not being able to follow instruction; Pregnancy; Terminal diagnosis with life expectancy \<=1 year; Claustrophobia for those undergoing fMRI scan.