NCT07356687 Effects of rTMS Combined With Dual-Task Gait Training on Walking and Cognition After Stroke
| NCT ID | NCT07356687 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
| Condition | Stroke |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 184 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-01-21 |
| Primary Completion | 2028-06 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 184 participants in total. It began in 2026-01-21 with a primary completion date of 2028-06.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will investigate whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) can enhance the effects of dual-task gait training in people with chronic stroke. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive either active rTMS or sham rTMS immediately before the same standardized dual-task gait training program. The intervention includes 12 sessions over 3 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately after training, and at 4-week follow-up. Co-primary outcomes are dual-task mobility and cognitive performance during walking, quantified using dual-task cost (DTC) for gait speed and cognitive-task performance during dual-task walking (e.g., Serial 7s; Shopping List Recall). Secondary outcomes include balance/mobility, community participation, mood/sleep measures, and fall incidence. To explore mechanisms, prefrontal cortex activity during single- and dual-task walking will be recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and mediation analyses will examine whether changes in PFC activity explain intervention effects.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic hemispheric stroke * Age ≥ 50 years -≥ 6 months post-stroke * Medically stable * Able to walk independently ≥ 1 minute (assistive device allowed) * Able to follow commands * mRS 1-3 * MoCA ≥ 22 Exclusion Criteria: * Other neurological disorders * Cerebellar/brainstem injury * TMS contraindications (e.g., pacemaker, intracranial metal, seizure history, pregnancy) * Contraindications to exercise (e.g., unstable angina) * Severe aphasia (NIHSS item 9 ≥ 2) * Pain/illness limiting performance * Concurrent formal rehabilitation elsewhere * RMT cannot be determined * Fails TMS safety screening
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07356687 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 50 Years or older, studying Stroke. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07356687 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07356687 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at shunli.li@connect.polyu.hk for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07356687 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07356687 clinical trial?
NCT07356687 is sponsored by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The trial plans to enroll 184 participants.
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