Modulation of Motor Learning Via tDCS in a Dexterous Video Game Task

Recruiting

• Conditions: Motor Activity

• Registration Number: NCT07202702
• Lead Sponsor: Indiana University

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether "transcranial direct current stimulation" (tDCS) is effective in enhancing learning of complex motor tasks of precision and accuracy that require the simultaneous coordination of both hands. The study will utilize a between-subjects, SHAM controlled design. Subjects will be randomly selected to receive either SHAM (n=26) or a-tDCS (n=26) stimulation and will be blinded to their condition throughout testing. Subjects will complete a total of two testing sessions, separated by \~24 hours. Both sessions will have the subject play the videogame "Guitar Hero", with a single song done for several trials as pre- and post-assessments. The first session will contain a 20-minute practice/stimulation block where subjects practice the guitar task while receiving either "active" or "inactive" stimulation of the motor cortex. The first session will last approximately 75 to 90 minutes whereas the second session will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-03-03
• Study First Submitted: 2025-08-18
• Status Verified: 2025-09
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-09-23
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-23
• Study First Posted: 2025-10-02
• Last Update Posted: 2025-10-02
• Primary Completion: 2026-03-03
• Study Completion: 2026-03-03

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 52

Inclusion Criteria

• Between ages 18 and 45 years old (to avoid any changes in the developing brain, or with aging).
• Answer 'no' to questions 2 through 16 on the tDCS checklist as these factors can increase likelihood of adverse events with tDCS
• No neurological damage, disease, or dysfunction (nerve damage, chronic pain disorders, diabetic neuropathy) that affect the upper limbs.
• No significant acute or chronic medical, neurologic, or illness in the patient that, in the judgment of the Principal Investigator, could compromise subject safety, limit the ability to complete the study, and/or compromise the objectives of the study

Exclusion Criteria

• • Currently prescribed and taking stimulant medication (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc.)

  • Consumption of over-the-counter stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine (coffee, soda, supplements, energy drinks, tobacco products, or other nicotine containing products such as gum, vape pens, etc...) 12 hours prior to entering the lab on the day of testing as this can directly affect cortical excitability. If a subject takes any of these substances 12 hours prior to session 1 they will be asked to reschedule for a later date.
  • Have played a real stringed instrument in the last 12 months (e.g. guitar, bass, violin)
  • Have played the videogame "Guitar Hero" on a traditional guitar controller in the last 12 months.

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Improvement in a video game	1 year	To determine whether a-tDCS influences motor skill acquisition of a dexterous video game task by measuring the outcome of videogame performance (number of notes played) with and without a-tDCS

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Retention and Learning	1 Year	Learning will be measured within-groups by examining retention, or the outcome of video game performance (number of notes played) between the first and second sessions

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

National Institute for Fitness and Sport; 🇺🇸 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States