Using tDCS in Speech-based Stroke Rehabilitation

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the effect of treatment for acquired speech impairment can be enhanced by combining effective behavioral treatment with non-invasive brain stimulation. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which delivers low-intensity current to the scalp, and is a safe and well-tolerated approach that poses a non-significant risk to participants. tDCS provides low intensity neural stimulation which has been shown to facilitate motor learning in other domains of stroke rehabilitation such as arm motor learning but the potential to enhance speech motor learning has not been explored. This will be examined with a series of single-case experimental designs.

Eligibility

Age range

18–99 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Device
  Soterix 1x1 line tDCS low-intensity stimulator

  Introduction of the independent variable (treatment) across three different points in time. Participants will be randomly assigned to have each treatment phase begin after 3, 4, or 6 baseline sessions. This current stimulates the cortex, with anodal stimulation leading to a depolarized state in which neurons are more likely to fire.

• Device
  Sham

  Patients will have two electrodes applied (one anode, one cathode) administering no stimulation

Locations (2)