Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Impulsivity and Food-related Impulsivity in Obesity (tDCS)

University of Calgary

Status: Suspended

Conditions: Impulsive Behavior

Treatments: Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04218383

REB19-0171

Details and patient eligibility

About

In this study the investigators aim to assess whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; a safe non-invasive method for modulating the activity of specific brain regions) when applied over the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is able to modulate impulsivity in obese participants.

Full description

In this single-blind, sham controlled study, the investigators will assess whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; a safe non-invasive method for modulating the activity of specific brain regions) when applied over the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is able to modulate impulsivity in obese volunteers. The investigators hypothesize that tDCS applied to the OFC, in comparison to sham tDCS, will significantly reduce impulsivity and enhance decision making as measured by computerized neurocognitive tasks. For this study the investigators will enroll 30 obese individuals aged 18-65 years. Participants will be assessed with a battery of computerized tasks as well as self-reported questionnaires on eating, impulsivity, mood and anxiety. Assessments will be carried out before, during, and after a single 20-minute 2mA tDCS session.

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Men or Women aged 18 to 65
• have body mass index of 35 or above
• have had no recent change in medications in the 2 weeks prior participating in the study
• able to fast for 4 hours prior participating in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Active Substance use disorder
• Active Suicidal ideation
• Psychoactive Medication
• Past or current Gambling disorder
• Past or current Anorexia
• Past or current Bulimia Nervosa
• Past or current Psychosis
• Visual impairments preventing performance of the neuropsychological tasks
• Epilepsy
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Stroke
• Neurological disorder affecting motor functions (Parkinsons, Huntington's, etc)
• Previous participation in tDCS research/treatment

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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30 participants in 2 patient groups

Experimental: Active Left OFC Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

2mA will be applied for 20 minutes with the tDCS anode applied to the left OFC and Cathode applied to the right primary motor cortex.

Treatment:

Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Sham Comparator: Sham left OFC Group

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Current will be ramped up for 30s followed by a 30s ramp down to mimic the physical sensation of stimulation and habituation. The anode placed over the left OFC and cathode placed over the right primary motor cortex.

Treatment:

Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation