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Bifocal Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Targeting the Frontoparietal Network in Stroke Patients
Sponsor: Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
Summary
Hand and arm function is often significantly impaired in stroke patients, making its recovery a primary goal in rehabilitative treatment. This study investigates the effects of bifocal transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on the frontoparietal network in stroke patients during the subacute to chronic recovery phase. By using non-invasive brain stimulation, the study aims to modulate the neural network connectivity between the ipsilesional parietal and premotor cortices. Electroencephalography and kinematic data will be utilized to assess the impact of tACS on functional connectivity and its subsequent effect on motor function. The ultimate goal is to enhance functional coupling within these networks to promote motor function in stroke patients.
Official title: Bifocal Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Targeting the Frontoparietal Network in Stroke Patients to Enhance Network Connectivity
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2025-02-03
Completion Date
2026-08
Last Updated
2025-02-13
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
In-phase-tACS
21 minutes and 30 seconds of bifocal stimulation at 3 mA peak-to-peak per field, targeting the aIPS and PMv of the lesioned hemisphere. The stimulation is delivered at 24 Hz with the waveforms of both fields aligned in phase. A 10-second ramp-up at the beginning and a 10-second ramp-down at the end are included to ensure participant comfort. The protocol is administered using the Starstim® device with gel-based electrodes, each with a π cm² surface area.
Out-of-phase-tACS
21 minutes and 30 seconds of bifocal stimulation at 3 mA peak-to-peak per field over the aIPS and PMv of the lesioned hemisphere at 24 Hz. In this condition, the waveforms of the two fields are shifted by 180°, creating an out-of-phase stimulation pattern. A 10-second ramp-up and ramp-down are included, and the protocol is administered using the Starstim® device with gel-based electrodes, each with a π cm² surface area.
Sham -tACS
21 minutes and 30 seconds of stimulation mimicking the setup of active tACS, with an initial 10-second ramp-up followed by a 10-second ramp-down. The remainder of the session is stimulation-free. This protocol is administered using the Starstim® device and gel-based electrodes with a π cm² surface area, maintaining the same setup as the active conditions to ensure comparability.
Locations (1)
Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
Hamburg, Germany