Performance Enhancement and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Executive Function
- Sponsor
- Bruyere Research Institute
- Enrollment
- 121
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in ratings on cognitive training survey
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 6 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
A promising form of enhancing brain function non-invasively involves stimulating the brain using weak magnetic or electric currents. This method is becoming increasingly popular in both clinical and commercial circles; a number of portable, at-home devices are available on the commercial market for personal use. In this study, the investigators aim to determine factors associated with the enhancement of cognitive and motor learning following transcranial direct-current stimulation in healthy young adults. Understanding how participants respond to brain stimulation is critical to maximizing the effectiveness of stimulation and determining its potential as a performance-enhancing aid for mental tasks. Future developments of this study may also inform the capacity of brain stimulation to act as non-drug alternative to treatment for cognitive decline.
Detailed Description
This study involves a single session of anodal tDCS, applied over the motor cortex, while performing a task of motor dexterity. Pre and post stimulation evaluations will assess any effects of the stimulation on motor and cognitive performance.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Participants must be in good health,
- •between 18-35 years of age
- •with no prior history of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke with paralysis.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Participants with cardiac stimulators (pace-makers) and those with metal implants in the skull will be excluded.
- •Pregnant women will also be excluded.
- •Participants will be required to fill out a brief health questionnaire to ensure that they have no conditions that would prevent brain stimulation.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in ratings on cognitive training survey
Time Frame: Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period
This survey aims to assess participant perceptions on brain stimulation, and includes a series of related questions, rated on a scale of 1-7.
Change in cognitive performance
Time Frame: Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period
We will measure changes in cognitive performance on neuropsychological tests.
Change in game performance
Time Frame: Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period
We will measure changes in performance on a cognitively-challenging game performed concurrently with the non-invasive brain stimulation.
Change in motor performance
Time Frame: Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period
We will measure changes in motor performance on the Grooved Pegboard task.