NCT04142866 Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in Chronic Aphasia
| NCT ID | NCT04142866 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | City University of New York |
| Condition | Aphasia |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 30 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-01-03 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-12-31 |
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 30 participants in total. It began in 2025-01-03 with a primary completion date of 2026-12-31.
⚠ 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
The purpose of this study is to assess changes in language abilities of participants with chronic, post-stroke aphasia following an 8-week therapy period combined with brain stimulation. The investigators use a stimulation method called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The investigators cover two electrodes in damp sponges, place them on the scalp, and pass a weak electrical current between them. Some of this current passes through the brain and can change brain activity. One electrode is placed over language areas a bit above and in front of the left ear. The other is placed on the forehead above the right eye. Stimulation is provided twice a week for 8 weeks during aphasia therapy. The investigators believe that this stimulation may increase the effectiveness of therapy.
Eligibility Criteria
This study recruits individuals with post-stroke aphasia as well as a group of healthy volunteers matched for age, sex, and education. INCLUSION Criteria: * Right handed (pre-stroke for participants with aphasia) * High school education or equivalent * Native English fluency without early 2nd language exposure (before age 10) * Ability to perform the required discourse and MRI tasks (determined via in-person screening) Additional INCLUSION Criteria for participants with APHASIA: * Single-event left hemisphere stroke \> 6 months prior to enrollment * Aphasia diagnosis per Western Aphasia Battery-Revised * Not receiving any other speech therapy for the entire study period (20 weeks) * Ability to perform the required therapy tasks (determined via in-person screening) EXCLUSION Criteria: * Failed vision or hearing screening * MRI contraindications (including pacemaker) * Pregnancy * History of seizure or change in seizure medication in past 12 months * History of speech/language, psychiatric, or neurological disorder, or current serious medical condition (except chronic stroke comorbidities for participants with aphasia) Additional EXCLUSION criteria for participants with APHASIA are: * Unmodifiable hair style precluding scalp contact by electrodes * Sensitive scalp by self-report
Contact & Investigator
E. Susan Duncan, PhD, CCC-SLP
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
City University of New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT04142866 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 21 Years or older, up to 80 Years, studying Aphasia. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT04142866 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT04142866 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at esduncan@gc.cuny.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT04142866 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at New York, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT04142866 clinical trial?
NCT04142866 is sponsored by City University of New York. The principal investigator is E. Susan Duncan, PhD, CCC-SLP at City University of New York. The trial plans to enroll 30 participants.