The Effects of Serotonergic Challenge on Motor Learning and Neuroplasticity
Overview
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Intervention
- Placebo
- Conditions
- Healthy Controls
- Sponsor
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences
- Enrollment
- 60
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Pinch Force Task.
- Last Updated
- 8 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
With this study, the investigators aim to test whether acute administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) improves motor performance in a sequential motor learning task in comparison to placebo in healthy humans.
Detailed Description
Microdialysis findings in animal models provide evidence for a monoaminergic augmentation of motor function. However, this evidence is largely limited to noradrenaline and dopamine, with little evidence to support a similar effect for serotonin. What remains to be tested therefore, is whether acute serotonergic administration induces neural or behavioral changes during motor learning also. Using a sample of 60 female participants (with the possible inclusion of male participants at a later date), the investigators aim to test the effects of a serotonergic challenge on motor learning and plasticity in healthy participants.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •right-handed
- •has taken oral contraceptives (ovulation inhibitor) continuously for at least 3 months
- •has read and agreed to study parameters
Exclusion Criteria
- •tattoos on head or neck
- •non-removable metal on or in body
- •alcohol abuse
- •is currently taking medication
- •smokes more than 3 cigarettes per day
- •positive drug test
- •pregnancy
- •plays an instrument professionally
- •plays videogames more than 2 hours per week
- •is a professional athlete
Arms & Interventions
Control group
Half of the participants ( n= 30) will receive the placebo.
Intervention: Placebo
Interventional group
Half of the participants (n = 30) will receive 20mg of the SSRI Escitalopram.
Intervention: Escitalopram
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Pinch Force Task.
Time Frame: 1 week
The primary outcome measure will be reaction time and accuracy of motor responses, as measured by the Pinch Force Task. This will be applied to both the experimental (SSRI) and control (Placebo) groups.