T-STAR
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the effects of beta transcranial stimulation to advance stroke rehabilitation
IRAS ID
337104
Contact name
Charlotte Stagg
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 27 days
Research summary
Over 1 million people in the UK live with disability after stroke, a figure set to rise significantly with an ageing population. We urgently need new approaches to improve recovery and quality of life for stroke survivors and their families. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has the potential to augment rehabilitation gains by creating a ‘pro-plastic’ environment, where the brain is more adaptable in response to movement (motor) training. However, responses to classical NIBS protocols are highly variable.
We propose to optimise NIBS to target individualised sensorimotor beta activity, a neural signature that has been shown by previous research to play an important role in how well someone recovers hand/arm movement after stroke. To do this we will use a type of NIBS called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), whereby the stimulation frequency matches the underlying brain rhythms of the individual and the stimulation timed to coincide with specific phases of hand/arm movement. The primary aim is to investigate whether this individualised and functionally timed tACS improves hand/arm movement in stroke survivors.
Moreover, existing evidence has shown that response to motor rehabilitation depends on residual brain structure and function after stroke. However, little is known about who will respond best to the tACS approach. Uncovering this information can help target interventions at those patients who are most likely to benefit. Therefore, we will include baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to identify brain measures that predict patients’ responses to this intervention in the future.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/WM/0166
Date of REC Opinion
28 Aug 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion