Combining rTMS & Aerobic Exercise to Treat Depression and Improve Post-Stroke Walking
Eligible age
21–70 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
2 states
Healthy volunteers
No
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About this study
Investigators primary aim is to carry out a two-site, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, phase II trial to systematically examine the potential for aerobic exercise (AEx) to enhance the anti-depressant benefits of rTMS in individuals with post-stroke depression (PSD). Investigators propose to determine the efficacy of combining two known anti-depressant treatments shown to be effective in non-stroke depression, aerobic exercise (AEx) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), on post-stroke depressive symptoms. This project is based on the idea that depression negatively affects the potential for the brain to adapt in response to treatment such that rehabilitation may not produce the same changes that it does in non-depressed individuals. Investigators believe that effective treatment for PSD will result in a virtuous cycle whereby reducing depression enhances response to rehabilitation, thereby facilitating functional gains. That is, effectively treating depression will enable individuals to better recover from stroke.
Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina
You may qualify if…
- ✓ age 21-70
- ✓ stroke within the past 12 to 60 months
- ✓ screen positive for probable major depressive disorder (PHQ-9 \> 10) and HAM-D17 ≥ 14
- ✓ residual paresis in the lower extremity (Fugl-Meyer LE motor score \<34)
- ✓ ability to walk without assistance and without an AFO at speeds ranging from 0.2-1.0 m/s
- ✓ not currently on antidepressant medications or no changes in antidepressant dosage in the last 4 weeks and clinically stable
- ✓ HAM-D17 question #9 regarding suicide \<2
- ✓ provision of informed consent.
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ unable to ambulate at least 150 feet prior to stroke, or experienced intermittent claudication while walking
- ✕ history of congestive heart failure, unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during ADL's
- ✕ history of COPD or oxygen dependence
- ✕ history of traumatic brain injury
- ✕ blindness or severe visual impairment
- ✕ history of psychosis or other Axis I disorder that is primary
- ✕ life expectancy \<1 yr.
- ✕ severe arthritis or problems that limit participation in testing or training
Where it's recruiting
Durham
Charleston
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07050355 · last updated 2025-07-14