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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00854893

Enhance of Language Learning With Neurostimulation

The purpose of this study is to test the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation over the motor cortex of the language dominant hemisphere on language learning in healthy subjects and stroke patients with aphasia. We hypothesize that anodal stimulation enhances the learning of action words compared to sham and cathodal stimulation.

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Key information

Conditions

Stroke Aging Aphasia Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Communication Disorders Language Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Speech Disorders Vascular Diseases

Age range

18 year–86 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Neurology

Hamburg, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, 20246, Germany

About this study

The motor cortex is involved at different levels of language processing. It has been demonstrated that the perception of action words activates motor representations in the language-dominant hemisphere. However, it is not known whether modulation of excitability has an effect on learning new action words. Thus, we hypothesize that transcranial direct current stimulation over the motor cortex of the language-dominant hemiphere modulates the acquisition of new action words. The results bear the potential to design new rehabilitative strategies in stroke patients with aphasia. The motor cortex might offer an access to the language network that can be used for interventional approaches such as neurostimulation.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • age >18 and < 86 years
  • contractual capability
  • ischemic stroke excluding motor cortex (stroke patients)
  • minimum time since stroke 9 months
  • aphasia (stroke patients)
  • severe aphasia that impedes understanding of instructions (stroke patients)

Exclusion criteria

  • sever head trauma in the past
  • seizures
  • pace maker
  • metal implants in the head/neck region
  • severe comorbidity, especially neurologic and psychiatric diseases
  • intake of illegal drugs
  • Mini Mental State examination score < 27
  • neuroactive substances, e.g. antidepressants
  • pregnancy

Treatment and study plan

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Device

1 mV for 20 min (verum conditions: anodal and cathodal)or 30 seconds (placebo condition: sham) during language learning , active electrode over primary motor cortex of language dominant hemisphere, reference electrode over contralateral supraorbital area

Other names: DC Stimulator, Manufacturer:eldith -Electro-Diagnostic & Therapeutic Systems GmbH, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Straße 5, D-98693 Ilmenau, Serial number: 0006

Primary outcomes

  1. word learning

    Time frame: immediately after intervention and after 1 week

    learning of new action words measured as learned words/all words in %

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf

Other

Collaborators

  • German Research Foundation

Registry information

Official study title

Enhance of Language Learning With Neurostimulation (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation)

Important dates

Study start
2009
Primary completion
2010
Study completion
2010
First posted
Mar 3, 2009
Registry last updated
Dec 11, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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