Evaluating the efficacy of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) combined with speech therapy for cantonese-speaking Individuals with post-stroke aphasia: A randomized controlled trial

This randomized controlled trial investigates the efficacy of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) combined with speech therapy (Semantic Feature Analysis) for language recovery in Cantonese-speaking individuals with post-stroke aphasia. Addressing the limitations of "one-size-fits-all" neurostimulation approaches, this study compares three protocols: Generalized-Connectomic tACS (GC), Individualized-Connectomic tACS (IC), and Sham tACS (SH). Data from 10 participants indicates that the Individualized (IC) protocol yielded the strongest evidence for improvement in key language measures, specifically the Cantonese Aphasia Battery Aphasia Quotient (BF₊₀ = 15.34). While all groups exhibited some improvement, the individualized approach demonstrated superior potential for enhancing naming abilities and dysfunctome scores compared to generalized and sham conditions. These findings provide preliminary evidence that personalized neurostimulation targeting specific dysfunctome profiles may optimize rehabilitation outcomes for aphasia patients.