Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Intensive Therapy in Aphasia

University of Michigan25 enrolled

Overview

Intensive therapy for aphasia has been demonstrated to improve language functioning after stroke or other neurological injury. However, recovery is generally not complete and new therapies are needed to improve outcomes. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to improve outcomes with motor therapy after stroke. This study will examine the feasibility of using tDCS supplementing clinically determined intensive language therapy as a way of enhancing language outcomes in aphasia. Eligible clients enrolled in the University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP) will be invited to participate in the study. Clients will receive 20 minutes of tDCS every day along with their usual treatment protocol. Pre and post testing will be completed to assess for improvement in language functioning. This is a feasibility and proof of concept study to determine if a randomized control trial should be pursued

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Aphasia

Interventions

transcranial direct current stimulationDEVICE

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of aphasia * Enrolled in intensive therapy program at the University of Michigan Aphasia Program. * Ability to understand and give consent to treatment. Exclusion Criteria: * No metal implants or surgical devices * History of seizures * History of significant cognitive or psychiatric disturbance * Participant cannot be pregnant at the time of study

Locations (1)

University Center for Language and Literacy

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Controlled Oral Word Fluency

This test assesses the number of words that can be generated in one minute that begin with certain letters. The total number of words generated for three letters is derived. Higher scores represent better performance. Changes in word fluency were calculated as follows: number of words generated post tDCS minus number of words generated pre tDCS

Time frame: baseline and 4 weeks

Change in Boston Naming Score

This test assesses confrontational naming ability to 60 line drawings. Scores range from 0-60 with higher scores representing better performance. Outcome was derived as followed : Picture naming score post tDCS minus picture naming score pre tDCS

Time frame: baseline and 4 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Western Aphasia Quotient Score

severity of aphasia is measured by the Western Aphasia Battery Revised. The Aphasia Quotient (AQ) score ranges from 0-100, with 100 being a perfect score. Change in the AQ was derived as follows : AQ post tDCS minus AQ pre tDCS

Time frame: baseline and 4 weeks

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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