A promising form of enhancing brain function non-invasively involves stimulating the brain using weak magnetic or electric currents. This method is becoming increasingly popular in both clinical and commercial circles; a number of portable, at-home devices are available on the commercial market for personal use. In this study, the investigators aim to determine factors associated with the enhancement of cognitive and motor learning following transcranial direct-current stimulation in healthy young adults. Understanding how participants respond to brain stimulation is critical to maximizing the effectiveness of stimulation and determining its potential as a performance-enhancing aid for mental tasks. Future developments of this study may also inform the capacity of brain stimulation to act as non-drug alternative to treatment for cognitive decline.
This study involves a single session of anodal tDCS, applied over the motor cortex, while performing a task of motor dexterity. Pre and post stimulation evaluations will assess any effects of the stimulation on motor and cognitive performance.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
121
Non-invasive brain stimulation applied to the surface of the scalp
Cognitively challenging game played concurrently with transcranial direct-current stimulation
Bruyere Continuing Care
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Bruyere Research Institute
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Change in ratings on cognitive training survey
This survey aims to assess participant perceptions on brain stimulation, and includes a series of related questions, rated on a scale of 1-7.
Time frame: Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period
Change in cognitive performance
We will measure changes in cognitive performance on neuropsychological tests.
Time frame: Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period
Change in game performance
We will measure changes in performance on a cognitively-challenging game performed concurrently with the non-invasive brain stimulation.
Time frame: Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period
Change in motor performance
We will measure changes in motor performance on the Grooved Pegboard task.
Time frame: Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period
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