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

Indiana University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Motor Activity

Treatments: Device: tDCS

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07202702

26243

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 52 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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52 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

tDCS

Experimental group

Description:

This group will receive 20 minutes of 1 mA tDCS stimulation to the motor cortex while playing the videogame.

Treatment:

Device: tDCS

SHAM

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

This group will receive 30 seconds of 1 mA tDCS stimulation to the motor cortex and then it will shut off, effectively serving as a control, while subjects play the videogame for 20 minutes

Treatment:

Device: tDCS