NCT06092814 · University of Pennsylvania
tACS to Enhance Language Abilities
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to see if transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can be used to enhance language abilities in people with post-stroke aphasia. Participants will receive real and sham tACS in conjunction with various language tests. Researchers will compare the post-stroke aphasia group with aged matched controls to see if brain response to tACS differs between groups.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to see if transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can be used to enhance language abilities in people with post-stroke aphasia. Participants will receive real and sham tACS in conjunction with various language tests. Researchers will compare the post-stroke aphasia group with aged matched controls to see if brain response to tACS differs between groups.
Interventions
DEVICE
Active transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)
Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) is a device that applies a low-intensity electrical current to the brain through electrodes on the scalp.
Primary outcome measures
Performance on the Blocked-Cyclic Naming (BCN) Task
Time frame: 5-10 minutes after a single session of active (alpha tACS) and sham (fake tACS).
The BCN tasks involves naming a set of pictures repeatedly. Sets of pictures come from either the same semantic category (high competition condition; e.g., categorically related: "dog", "cat", "panda") or different semantic categories (low competition condition; e.g., unrelated: dog, eye, crib).
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
- for Persons with Aphasia:
- Presence of aphasia
- Suffered a single, left hemisphere stroke
- Stroke ≥6 months old (chronic) at the time of enrollment Inclusion Criteria for Healthy Controls:
- Right-handedness
- Must be able to understand the nature of the study, and give informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- for Persons with Aphasia:
- Inability to understand the nature of the study
- Marked naming impairment
- Impaired non-verbal, conceptual processing
- History of significant medical or neurological disorder (other than stroke)
- History of significant or poorly controlled psychiatric disorders
- Current abuse of alcohol or drugs, prescription or otherwise
- Nursing a child, pregnancy, or intent to become pregnant during the study
- Clinically significant hearing loss
- Contraindications to tACS
- Contraindications to MRI Exclusion Criteria for Healthy Controls
- Diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease or clinically significant cognitive complaint
- Any unrelated neurologic or physical condition that impairs communication ability
- History of unrelated neurological conditions including but not limited to traumatic brain injury, stroke, or small vessel disease that has resulted in a neurologic deficit
- Any additional neurological condition that would likely reduce the safety of study participation, including central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis, intracranial tumor, intracranial aneurysm, multiple sclerosis or arteriovenous malformations
- A medically unstable cardiopulmonary or metabolic disorder
- Terminal illness associated with survival \<12 months
- Major active psychiatric illness that may interfere with required study procedures or treatments as determined by the enrolling physician
- Current abuse of alcohol or drugs, prescription or otherwise
- Contraindications to tACS
- Contraindications to MRI
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Related conditions & keywords
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 Aug 8, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations