Can a sugar pill help stroke patients? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT05832567

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at whether placebos—given openly or hidden—can change brain activity and improve movement in people who had a stroke at least six months ago. Researchers will use brain scans and motor tests to measure effects. The goal is to understand how placebos work in the brain, not to test a new treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and placebo pill

What this could lead to

If successful, this could reveal how placebos work in the brain after a stroke, potentially leading to better rehabilitation strategies.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study focused on understanding mechanisms, not testing a treatment. Results may not lead to direct clinical benefits.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hemiplegia Paresis stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Spaulding Hospital Cambridge

    RECRUITING

    Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact