Role of Executive Function on Language: an Experimental and Clinical Approach With Application to Mother Language and Second Language
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- University of Fribourg
- Enrollment
- 28
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Changes in language performance using behavioural measures
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study aims to evaluate the effect of stimulation of prefrontal regions on language performance (e.g. word translation and picture naming).
During the language tests, cortical activity will be registered using electroencephalography (EEG) which will provide supplementary information about the cerebral processus involved in language production and management of two languages in bilingual subjects.
Detailed Description
Effect of stimulation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on language production in healthy bilinguals
Background:
Language relies on two main neurocognitive components; a dedicated language network depending on perisylvian structures, and a domain-general control-executive and working memory system relying on prefrontal, particularly left cingulum and dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) networks. The executive system is known to participate in language control in bilinguals, but also plays a role in many intra-languages processing, for mother language (L1) and even more in second language production (L2).
Anodal-tDCS appears to improve cognitive functions (e.g. working memory, complex verbal problem-solving, inhibition) in adults. Despite the fact that the contribution of executive function in language processing in monolingual and multilingual speakers is crucial, it has not received considerable attention.
Aim:
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Single Group
- Primary Purpose
- Diagnostic
- Masking
- Single (Participant)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 45 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Healthy subjects
- •18-45 years old
- •Right-handed
- •French as their mother tongue and intermediate level in English.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Presence of unstable medical condition (e.g. active epilepsy with seizure in the last 2 years)
- •Developmental problem of language
- •Metallic head implants
- •Scalp skin lesions
Arms & Interventions
Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stim.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Anodal (A-tDCS): Active anodal electrode over F3 (EEG system) and return electrode over right supraorbital area. A 1.5mA current will flow between the electrodes for 20 min. To decrease current-induced injuries, at the beginning the current reaches from 0 to 1.5mA during 30 seconds (fade-in), and decreases from 1.5mA to 0 in 15 seconds at the end (fade-out).
Intervention: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (Device)
Sham Transcranial Direct Current Stim.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Sham: The parameters mimics the A-tDCS (electrode placement, fade-in and current intensity), except the stimulation duration: the current will reach 1.5mA in 30 sec (fade-in) and lasts only for 30 sec (to give the initial sensation of stimulation).
After the stimulation, language performance and EEG will be recorded. Order of interventions (anodal - sham) will be randomised across subjects.
Intervention: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (Device)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Changes in language performance using behavioural measures
Time Frame: Starting October 2014 up to 36 months
Modifications in language performance using behavioural measures (response reaction time and response accuracy) caused by tDCS.
Changes in language performance using EEG data
Time Frame: Starting October 2014 up to 36 months
Modifications in language performance using EEG data (e.g. modification in waveforms and topographic maps at 250-300 ms time-window after the presentation of stimuli) caused by tDCS.
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Jean-Marie Annoni
MD
University of Fribourg