NCT05093673 · Johns Hopkins University
Cerebellar Stimulation for Aphasia Rehabilitation
(CeSAR)
What this study is about
The optimal site of neuromodulation for post-stroke aphasia has yet to be established. This study will investigate whether multiple sessions of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) boosts language therapy in helping people recover from aphasia as well as predict who is likely to respond to cerebellar tDCS.
View original scientific description
The optimal site of neuromodulation for post-stroke aphasia has yet to be established. This study will investigate whether multiple sessions of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) boosts language therapy in helping people recover from aphasia as well as predict who is likely to respond to cerebellar tDCS.
Interventions
DEVICE
Cathodal Cerebellar tDCS
2 mA of cathodal tDCS is induced between two 5cm X 5cm saline soaked sponges where the cathode sponge is placed on the right cerebellum. Ramping up of the current to 2 mA occurs over 15-30 seconds to allow participants to habituate to the tingling sensation. The stimulation will be delivered at an intensity of 2 mA for a maximum of 25 minutes.
BEHAVIORAL
Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA)
Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) is a treatment technique designed to improve lexical retrieval by increasing the level of activation within a semantic network. The treatment will proceed according to a series of steps including naming aloud the target picture, generating semantic features, naming aloud the target picture again, and generating a sentence using the target word.
DEVICE
Sham
2 mA of cathodal tDCS is induced between two 5cm X 5cm saline soaked sponges where the cathode sponge is placed on the right cerebellum. Ramping up of the current to 2 mA occurs over 15-30 seconds to allow participants to habituate to the tingling sensation. Then, the current will be ramped back down to 0 mA in the sham condition. Termination of the stimulation after the ramping up process is generally undetectable, and the brief duration of stimulation yields no functional effects.
Primary outcome measures
Change in accuracy of naming untrained pictures (Philadelphia Naming Test)
Time frame: Pre-treatment to one week after the end of SFA treatment
Behavioral measure of change in untrained naming. Scores ranges from 0 to 175 with higher scores meaning better naming ability.
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
- Chronic ischemic or hemorrhagic left hemisphere stroke
- Fluent speaker of English by self-report
- Age 18 or older
- 6 months post onset of stroke
- Diagnosis of aphasia and naming impairment using the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised
Exclusion criteria
- Lesion in the right cerebellum
- Previous neurological disorder (other than stroke) affecting the brain, or any other neurodegenerative disorder or psychiatric disorder
- Seizures during the previous 6 months
- Uncorrected visual loss or hearing loss by self-report
- Use of medications that lower the seizure threshold (e.g., methylphenidate)
- Use of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists (e.g., memantine)
- History of brain surgery or any metal in the head
- Severely impaired auditory comprehension (lower than 2 on the Comprehension subscore on the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised)
- Severely limited verbal output (lower than 2 on the Spontaneous Speech rating scale on the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised)
- Individuals with severe claustrophobia, cardiac pacemakers or ferromagnetic implants, and pregnant women will be excluded from the MRI portion of the study.
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
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 Mar 20, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations