NCT06376500 Effects of tDCS for Enhancing Cognitive Function in Individuals With Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome
| NCT ID | NCT06376500 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University |
| Condition | Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 40 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-09-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-08 |
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 40 participants in total. It began in 2025-09-01 with a primary completion date of 2027-08.
⚠ 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
Globally, 10 million new traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases are estimated annually, with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) accounting for 75-90% of all TBI cases. It is estimated that 40-80% of individuals with mTBI may experience the post-concussion syndrome (PCS), which is characterized by a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Although the underlying basis of cognitive dysfunction of patients with persistent PCS remains to be clarified, converging evidence shows that the clinical symptoms is underpinned by abnormal neural information processing as a result of axonal injury due to mTBI. Recent studies have demonstrated abnormalities in both structural and functional cortical connectivity, and a loss of cortical excitability-inhibitory (E/I) balance after TBI. Yet, there is no consensus for treating chronic symptoms of concussion, and PCS remains a chronic and highly disabling condition. One potential treatment option is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has been shown to modify behavior by enhancing connectivity between targeted brain areas. However, research on the therapeutic effect of tDCS on PCS symptoms is limited, and the neurologic mechanisms underlying its effects are not well understood. The proposed study aims to address these knowledge gaps by examining the effects of tDCS on the central nervous system function in patients with PCS, with a specific focus on functional cortical connectivity and cognitive functions such as processing speed and executive function. The study also aims to add value to existing evidence by potentially opening new directions for designing intervention programs for the treatment of PCS after mTBI.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * being 18 years old or older; * having a history of a mild TBI (less than 30 minutes loss of consciousness) 1-6 years prior to the study; * able to communicate in Chinese. Exclusion Criteria: * being without a confirmed diagnosis from the medical practitioner; * having a history of other neurological and psychiatric disorders, skull defect, recent medical instability (within 3 weeks); * being pregnant; * being medication for a psychiatric condition (e.g., major depression, anxiety, schizophrenia); * with any implanted devices or suffering from real claustrophobia or feel uncomfortable in small, enclosed spaces, like MRI tunnel
Contact & Investigator
Yvonne Han, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06376500 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 65 Years, studying Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06376500 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06376500 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at yvonne.han@polyu.edu.hk for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06376500 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Hung Hom, Hong Kong.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06376500 clinical trial?
NCT06376500 is sponsored by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The principal investigator is Yvonne Han, PhD at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The trial plans to enroll 40 participants.