NCT07688551 · University of South Carolina
Superiority Trial of Aphasia-focused Rehabilitation With tDCS Stimulation
(STARS)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to help us understand if adding transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, to Speech Therapy improves language recovery in people with Broca's aphasia and is more effective than Speech Therapy alone.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to help us understand if adding transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, to Speech Therapy improves language recovery in people with Broca's aphasia and is more effective than Speech Therapy alone.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Be willing and able to give informed consent.
- Be willing and able to comply with study requirements.
- Be between 25 and 80 years of age.
- Have used English as the primary language for \> 15 years.
- Have the diagnosis of aphasia due to a left hemisphere stroke, confirmed by study physician based on past clinical MRI scan or research scan.
- Be greater than 6 months post-stroke.
- Have Broca's aphasia diagnosed by the WAB-R (fluency score ≤ 5, auditory verbal comprehension score 4-10, repetition score 0-7.9, naming and word finding score \< 9).
- Correctly name 140 or fewer items on the PNT.
Exclusion criteria
- History of brain surgery except for during the treatment of the acute stroke.
- Seizures during the previous 12-months.
- Compromised skin at or near electrode sites (e.g., rash, eczema, wounds, infection).
- Correctly name more than 140 out of 175 items during the pre-treatment picture naming test (Philadelphia Naming Test).
- Western Aphasia Battery-Revised Aphasia Quotient (WAB-R AQ) score of 25 or below.
- Participants with open skull defects (e.g., greater than 1 cm) in the area underneath the anode electrode positioning or participants with metal implants or electrical stimulators.
- Participants with continuous oxygen therapy which cannot be discontinued for more than 1 hour.
- Any condition or situation that the PI determines would significantly interfere with the participant's ability to complete the study.
Where
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations