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NCT Number: NCT07246993

Targeting Neuroplasticity for Persistent Post-Concussive Cognitive Symptoms

This project investigates an innovative combination of non-invasive neuromodulation (transcranial direct current stimulation - tDCS) and cognitive training as a novel treatment approach aimed at improving function in individuals suffering from persistent post-concussive syndrome (PPCS) following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

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Key information

Conditions

Persistent Post Concussion Syndrome Brain Concussion Brain Diseases Brain Injuries Brain Injuries, Traumatic Central Nervous System Diseases Craniocerebral Trauma Head Injuries, Closed Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Nervous System Diseases Trauma, Nervous System Wounds and Injuries Wounds, Nonpenetrating

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Melanie Stimac

CONTACT

[email protected]

612-301-2549

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18-65
  • Has sustained a single mTBI 3-12 months prior to enrollment
  • Meets criteria for PPCS (assessed using the CP Screen)
  • Has reliable access to a smartphone

Exclusion criteria

  • Inability to provide informed consent or complete study procedures
  • History of moderate/severe TBI
  • Significant neurological or psychiatric disorders (other than PPCS-related symptoms like mild depression/anxiety)
  • Substance dependence within the last six months
  • Contraindications to tDCS (e.g., implanted metal, skin lesions on scalp)

Treatment and study plan

active tDCS

Device

All participants will receive 10 sessions of cognitive training focused on executive functions, delivered over approximately 3 weeks. Cognitive training will be completed on a lab provided computer using PositScience BrainHQ or TaskFlow software. Concurrently, during each training session, participants will receive either active or sham tDCS. Stimulation will be delivered via saline-soaked sponge electrodes using the Soterix 1x1 miniCT TES device. The anode (active electrode) will be placed over the L-DLPFC (approximated by EEG coordinate F3) and the cathode (reference electrode) over the contralateral supraorbital area (Fp2). The active tDCS group will receive 2mA constant current for 20 minutes.

Sham tDCS

Device

All participants will receive 10 sessions of cognitive training focused on executive functions, delivered over approximately 3 weeks. Cognitive training will be completed on a lab provided computer using PositScience BrainHQ or TaskFlow software. Concurrently, during each training session, participants will receive either active or sham tDCS. Stimulation will be delivered via saline-soaked sponge electrodes using the Soterix 1x1 miniCT TES device. The anode (active electrode) will be placed over the L-DLPFC (approximated by EEG coordinate F3) and the cathode (reference electrode) over the contralateral supraorbital area (Fp2). The sham tDCS group will receive a brief ramp up and ramp down of current at the beginning and end of the 20 minutes to mimic the sensation of active stimulation.

Primary outcomes

  1. Efficacy of active tDCS combined with cognitive training compared to sham tDCS combined with cognitive training for improving executive function in individuals with PPCS

    Time frame: Week 4

    Using score on Penn Cognitive Battery

Secondary outcomes

  1. Effects of active versus sham tDCS combined with cognitive training on self-reported affect, stress, cognition, and objectively measured sleep and activity levels

    Time frame: Week 4

    Ecological Momentary Assessment Survey score

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Melanie Stimac

CONTACT

[email protected]

612-301-2549

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Minnesota

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Targeting Neuroplasticity for Persistent Post-Concussive Cognitive Symptoms: A Trial of tDCS and Cognitive Training 3-12 Months Post-mTBI

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2028
First posted
Nov 25, 2025
Registry last updated
Mar 17, 2026

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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