With this study, the investigators aim to test whether acute administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) improves motor performance in a sequential motor learning task in comparison to placebo in healthy humans.
Microdialysis findings in animal models provide evidence for a monoaminergic augmentation of motor function. However, this evidence is largely limited to noradrenaline and dopamine, with little evidence to support a similar effect for serotonin. What remains to be tested therefore, is whether acute serotonergic administration induces neural or behavioral changes during motor learning also. Using a sample of 60 female participants (with the possible inclusion of male participants at a later date), the investigators aim to test the effects of a serotonergic challenge on motor learning and plasticity in healthy participants.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
Experimental group participants (n = 30) will receive 20 mg of Escitalopram for 7 days.
Control group participants (n = 30) will receive a placebo for 7 days.
Max Planck Institute for Cognition and Brain Sciences
Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
RECRUITINGPinch Force Task.
The primary outcome measure will be reaction time and accuracy of motor responses, as measured by the Pinch Force Task. This will be applied to both the experimental (SSRI) and control (Placebo) groups.
Time frame: 1 week
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.