Combined tDCS and Vision Restoration Training in Subacute Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study
Keywords
Abstract
Description
Visual field defects after posterior cerebral artery stroke can be improved by vision restoration training (VRT), but when combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) which alters brain excitability, vision restoration can be potentiated in the chronic stage. Because it is possible that such therapy may be more effective during the early recovery phase after the stroke and can reach patients during the rehabilitation phase, investigators wished to explore the applicability, efficacy and safety of early intervention with a combined tDCS/VRT treatment.
Seven post-acute stroke homonymous hemianopia patients were assigned to 10 sessions of combined tDCS (2mA, 10 daily sessions of 15-20 min) and VRT. The primary outcome criterion was the pre-post change in perimetric detection thresholds in percent. The results were compared to 7 age and stroke lesion matched controls of our patient data pool who received standard rehabilitation.
Dates
| Last Verified: | 09/30/2016 |
| First Submitted: | 10/12/2016 |
| Estimated Enrollment Submitted: | 10/12/2016 |
| First Posted: | 10/16/2016 |
| Last Update Submitted: | 10/12/2016 |
| Last Update Posted: | 10/16/2016 |
| Actual Study Start Date: | 12/31/2012 |
| Estimated Primary Completion Date: | 11/30/2013 |
| Estimated Study Completion Date: | 11/30/2013 |
Condition or disease
Intervention/treatment
Device: tDCS
Behavioral: Standard rehabilitation
Phase
Arm Groups
| Arm | Intervention/treatment |
|---|---|
| Active Comparator: tDCS group receiving complete treatment of transcranial direct current stimulation | Device: tDCS Device: verum tDCS real transcranial direct current stimulation,10 sessions, 2mA for 20 minutes Behavioral: VRT Vision restoration training, 10 sessions, 20 minutes |
| Active Comparator: Standard rehabilitation Standard rehabilitation procedures | Behavioral: Standard rehabilitation Standard rehabilitation procedures involving PC-based training of saccades and visual exploration |
Eligibility Criteria
| Ages Eligible for Study | 18 Years To 18 Years |
| Sexes Eligible for Study | All |
| Accepts Healthy Volunteers | Yes |
| Criteria | Inclusion Criteria: - Posterior Cerebral Artery Stroke - Visual Field Defect - Lesion age 4 weeks up to 6 month max Exclusion Criteria: - Electrical Implants - Metal artefacts in head - Epilepsy - Visual Neglect |
Outcome
Primary Outcome Measures
1. Change of mean sensitivity (in dB) detection threshold from baseline to post-intervention [14-20 days post treatment,]
