Performance Enhancement and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Executive Function; Motor Activity; Brain Stimulation
• Interventions: Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Behavioral: Working Memory Training

• Registration Number: NCT02498574
• Lead Sponsor: Bruyere Research Institute

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.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2015-07-09
• Study First Submitted QC: 2015-07-13
• Study First Posted: 2015-07-15
• Study Start: 2016-08
• Primary Completion: 2017-08
• Study Completion: 2018-08
• Status Verified: 2019-07
• Last Update Submitted: 2019-07-31
• Last Update Posted: 2019-08-02

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 121

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.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: FACTORIAL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Group 1	Working Memory Training	Non-invasive brain stimulation protocol expected to improve performance, with cognitively challenging game
Group 2	Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation	Non-invasive brain stimulation protocol not expected to improve performance, with cognitively challenging game
Group 2	Working Memory Training	Non-invasive brain stimulation protocol not expected to improve performance, with cognitively challenging game
Group 1	Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation	Non-invasive brain stimulation protocol expected to improve performance, with cognitively challenging game

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in ratings on cognitive training survey	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	Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period	We will measure changes in cognitive performance on neuropsychological tests.
Change in game performance	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	Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period	We will measure changes in motor performance on the Grooved Pegboard task.

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Bruyere Continuing Care; 🇨🇦 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Bruyere Research Institute; 🇨🇦 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada