Using tDCS in Speech-based Stroke Rehabilitation

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Apraxia of Speech Apraxias Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Psychomotor Disorders Signs and Symptoms Stroke Vascular Diseases

Age range

18 year–99 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Right-handed
Monolingual (English)
Single left-hemisphere CVA
A minimum of six months post-stroke
Clinical diagnosis of apraxia of speech
Normal speech perception
Passing score on the hearing screening.

Exclusion criteria

Diagnosis of laryngeal voice disorder
Dysarthria
History of speech impairment prior to CVA
Presence of potential tDCS risk factors: damaged skin at site of stimulation;
Presence of electrically or magnetically activated implant (including pacemaker);
metal in any part of their body;
history of medication-resistant epilepsy in the family;
past history of seizures or unexplained spells of loss of consciousness.

Treatment and study plan

Soterix 1x1 line tDCS low-intensity stimulator

Device

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.

Other names: Soterix

SHAM

Device

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

Primary outcomes

Change in accuracy in recordings from tasks from baseline to post treatment

Time frame: Baseline, 6 Months

Subjects will be given speech production tasks. Recordings of tasks will be scored for accuracy to measure speech motor learning

Study contacts

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

Buchwald Lab

CONTACT

[email protected]

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

NYU Langone Health

Other

Collaborators

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2019
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Mar 2, 2018
Registry last updated: Jun 3, 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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