Can a brain ZAP boost stroke recovery? new pilot study explores
NCT ID NCT05248178
First seen Jun 27, 2026 ยท Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether combining a gentle brain stimulation technique (tDCS) with a thinking-strategies training program could help people who had a stroke more than six months ago perform everyday activities better. Eleven participants were enrolled to see if the approach was feasible and showed any early promise. The study was terminated early, so results are limited.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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11 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2022
- Finished
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Jun 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 85 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * \>6 months post-ischemic stroke * not currently receiving therapy services * a minimum of four self-identified functional goals Exclusion Criteria: * severe depressive symptoms (\>20 on Patient Health Questionnaire) * dementia symptoms (\<24 on Montreal Cognitive Assessment) * any additional neurological disorders * moderate-severe aphasia (NIH Stroke Scale aphasia scale of greater than or equal to 2) * any tDCS contraindication
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Missouri Occupational Therapy Department
Columbia, Missouri, 65203, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Virtual reality rehab aims to bring stroke therapy home
- Which balance training works better after stroke? a trial puts two methods to the test
- Could a cuff and a tingle restore leg strength after stroke?
- Can gentle electrical pulses reawaken hand movement after stroke?
- Can foot sensation predict balance problems in stroke survivors?