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Spectral Characteristics of Memory Transformation

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Healthy
Interventions
Other: Inactive (sham) stimulation combined with behavioral intervention
Other: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) combined with behavioral intervention
Registration Number
NCT05946616
Lead Sponsor
Medical University of South Carolina
Brief Summary

Sometimes, it is necessary to re-learn a previously learned movement behavior, for example, a bad posture during the golf drive or while playing the piano. Unlearning or relearning an intensively trained behavior is particularly important if the behavior is hampering recovery, for example, in chronic pain or after a stroke. With this pilot study, the brain mechanisms that control the change of pre-existing stable memories of a motor skill will be tested with electroencephalography (EEG). Non-invasive brain stimulation will be used to modulate these brain mechanisms and test if it is possible to change the pre-existing motor memory and the learning of a new motor skill.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
30
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age 18 years or older (2/3 of the final sample will be ≥60years of age)
  • No previous stroke, brain tumor, neurodegenerative disease, or trauma to the head
  • Ability to give consent for study participation
  • who have access to a personal computer with internet
Exclusion Criteria
  • • Pregnancy

    • Inability to use all ten fingers to type on a standard computer keyboard
    • Uncorrected vision, hindering perception of visual cues presented on a standard computer screen
    • Medication use at the time of study that may interfere with learning or the effect of tACS, including but not limited to carbamazepine, flunarizine, sulpiride, rivastigmine, dextromethorphan;
    • Neuromuscular disorders affecting hand and finger movements necessary for 10-finger keyboard typing
    • Presence of neurological or psychiatric disorders
    • Presence of scalp injury or disease
    • Prior history of seizures
    • Prior intracranial surgery
    • Prior brain radiotherapy
    • Prior history of intracranial tumor, intracranial infection, or cerebrovascular malformation
    • Metal in head or neck
    • Contraindications to MRI (such as severe claustrophobia, implanted medical devices)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Sham stimulation during behavioral memory interferenceInactive (sham) stimulation combined with behavioral interventionInactive (sham) stimulation will be applied during a memory interference intervention.
Active non-invasive brain stimulation during behavioral memory interferenceTranscranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) combined with behavioral interventionNon-invasive brain stimulation with transcranial alternating current stimulation will be applied during a memory interference intervention.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Behavioral: interference ratebefore - after one single intervention (1 hour)

Change in performance precision of a previously learned sensorimotor skill

Neural: brain connectivity changebefore - after one single intervention (1 hour)

Change in EEG-derived markers of brain activation and connectivity

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Behavioral: interference ratebefore - after one single intervention (24 hour follow-up)

Change in performance precision of a previously learned sensorimotor skill

Neural: brain connectivity changebefore - after one single intervention (24 hour follow-up)

Change in EEG-derived markers of brain activation and connectivity

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Medical University of South Carolina

🇺🇸

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

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