This study aims to evaluate the effects of tDCS combined with cognitive-motor training on dual-task interference during walking and foot pedaling, alongside corresponding alterations in brain activity assessed via fNIRS. Additionally, an fMRI component was conducted as a nested sub-study for deep mechanistic exploration.
In China, the prevalence of stroke increased by 106.0% (93.7-118.8) between 1990 and 2019, highlighting the persistent and substantial burden of this condition. Post-stroke recovery, particularly the ability to achieve community ambulation, plays a critical role in improving health-related quality of life. Effective community ambulation in daily life requires the ability to dual-task-namely, to perform concurrent tasks requiring attentional resources while maintaining walking function and balance. Emerging evidence suggests that stroke survivors face greater challenges in walking function and dual-task balance compared to their age-matched, able-bodied counterparts. For instance, when tasked with recalling a shopping list while walking, stroke patients exhibit a more pronounced decline in both walking speed and cognitive performance relative to control groups. Given the necessity for stroke survivors to reintegrate into the community, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate this phenomenon of cognitive-motor interference.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
72
participants receive three 20-minute active tDCS treatment and three 60-minute COGMOTION dual-task exercise sessions per week for four consecutive weeks.
participants receive three 20-minute sham tDCS treatment and three 60-minute COGMOTION dual-task exercise sessions per week for four consecutive weeks.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
RECRUITINGDual-task self-paced walking--gait speed
Gait speed under dual-task walking condition will be recorded
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Dual-task self-paced walking--cognitive performance
Number of correct responses will be measured during dual-task conditions
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Dual-task self-paced walking--gait performance 1
Gait cadence will be measured during dual-task walking
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Dual-task self-paced walking--gait performance 2
Stride length will be measured during dual-task walking
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Dual-task self-paced walking--gait performance 3
Dor-Plantar Range under dual-task walking will be recorded
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Dual-task self-paced walking--cognitive performance 1
Correct reaction time under dual-task walking will be recorded
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Oxyhemoglobin concentration changes of the brain
Oxyhemoglobin concentration changes will be measured using functional near infra-red spectroscopy during dual-task walking
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
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Dual-task pedaling--cadence
cadence under dual-task foot pedaling will be recorded
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Dual-task pedaling--cognitive performance 1
Number of correct responses under dual-task foot pedaling will be recorded
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Blood oxygenation level changes of the brain
Blood oxygenation level changes will be measured using Magnetic Resonance Imaging during dual-task foot pedaling
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
tDCS adverse event
number of patients who report an adverse event will be recorded.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year