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Brain Stimulation to Improve Leg Movement Learning After Stroke

Plain-English translation of NCT06681207 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · 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.

What is this trial?

Researchers are studying whether a technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—a gentle, noninvasive way to stimulate the brain—can help stroke survivors improve their ability to learn and perform stepping and walking movements. The study will compare three groups of stroke survivors: some who receive real brain stimulation, some who receive sham (fake) stimulation, and some who receive no brain stimulation. Healthy adults will also participate to help researchers understand how the brain learns these skills differently after a stroke.

After a stroke, many survivors struggle to relearn walking and leg movements, and recovery can plateau. Researchers believe that gently stimulating the brain during movement training might unlock the brain's natural ability to learn and recover function better than training alone.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 21 and 90 years old
you had a stroke at least 6 months ago that affected one side of your brain and your leg strength
your vision can be corrected to normal with glasses or contacts
you can walk at least 10 meters on your own, with or without a cane or walker
you can stand without help for more than 30 seconds
you score 24 or higher on a simple memory and thinking test

You likely don't qualify if…

you are pregnant
you have metal implants in your body, a pacemaker, or a history of seizures
you have other brain damage, multiple strokes, or a brain tumor
you have significant difficulty following simple instructions or understanding language
you have other nerve or muscle conditions that would prevent you from exercising safely

What participation looks like

You would visit the research center for five sessions of brain stimulation paired with leg movement training—sessions where you practice stepping movements on a special device while receiving either real or sham brain stimulation. The researchers would also measure your brain activity and test your walking and balance before and after the training. The whole study involves testing visits and training sessions over a set period, and you would be carefully monitored for safety throughout.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 28, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas