Challenges in Recruitment for the Study of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Stroke: Lessons from Deep Brain Stimulation.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) can augment functional recovery following stroke; however, the technique lacks regulatory approval. Low enrollment in NIBS clinical trials is a key roadblock. Here, we pursued evidence to support the prevailing opinion that enrollment in trials of NIBS is even lower than enrollment in trials of invasive, deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Methods

We compared 2 clinical trials in stroke conducted within a single urban hospital system, one employing NIBS and the other using DBS, (1) to identify specific criteria that generate low enrollment rates for NIBS and (2) to devise strategies to increase recruitment with guidance from DBS.

Results

Notably, we found that enrollment in the NIBS case study was 5 times lower (2.8%) than the

SUBMITTER: Potter-Baker KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4799781 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature