Plain-English translation of NCT03857529 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Stroke research guide →This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This pilot study is testing whether two forms of non-invasive stimulation delivered together can help improve hand and finger control in people living with long-term weakness after a stroke. The first type of stimulation is applied to your scalp using a technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which uses a mild electrical current to activate areas of your brain involved in hand movement. The second type uses electrical stimulation of your hand and finger muscles to help them contract and strengthen.
Many people have persistent weakness and loss of hand function months or years after a stroke, and current rehabilitation approaches have limited effectiveness. Researchers want to understand whether combining these two stimulation techniques—and the timing of when they're delivered—can help wake up the damaged neural pathways and restore better hand control.
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You will visit the study site for sessions where researchers will place electrodes on your scalp and over your hand muscles. During each session, you'll receive a combination of the two types of stimulation in different orders—some sessions with stimulation applied at the same time, others with one type applied first followed by the other. You'll also practice hand and finger movements during the stimulation. The study involves about 15 participants total, and the exact number and length of sessions will depend on which group you're assigned to.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 21, 2026 · Not medical advice
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