The purpose of this study is to investigate if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can increase the effectiveness of cognitive training to reduce impulsivity in individuals with obesity, and to evaluate weight change with these individuals. The long-term goal of this research is to develop new treatment approaches for individuals with obesity.
Two-hundred forty individuals will be screened with the goal of consenting and enrolling up to 124 patients and 88 patients completing the study. Participants completing the study will concurrently complete a structured weight loss program. The investigators' study protocol will consist of 13 study visits including four testing days, one before (V1), one on the day of the tenth session of tDCS (V11), another test visit (V12) 6 weeks later, and a final test visit approximately 4 months after beginning stimulation (V13).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
124
Cognitive training concurrent with sham tDCS (30 seconds ramp up/ramp down at the beginning of the session)
Cognitive training concurrent with 2 mAmps of anodal stimulation applied to the left frontal cortex for 20 minutes.
Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
RECRUITINGChange in task impulsivity as measured by the NIH Flanker
Differences in the magnitude of change in NIH Flanker Reaction Time (RT) (ms) between active and sham groups from baseline to follow up sessions.
Time frame: Change between baseline and Visit 11, Visit 12 (approximately 2 months), and Visit 13 (approximately 4 months)
Change in weight
Differences in the magnitude of change in weights kilograms (kg) between active and sham tDCS (active from baseline to follow up sessions.
Time frame: Change between baseline and Visit 12 (approximately 2 months), and Visit 13 (approximately 4 months)
Change in reported impulsivity as measured by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS)
Differences in the magnitude of change in BIS scores (Likert scale points) will be compared between active and sham tDCS groups from baseline to follow up sessions.
Time frame: Change between baseline and Visit 11, Visit 12 (approximately 2 months), and Visit 13 (approximately 4 months)
Change in reported impulsivity as measured by the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P)
Differences in the magnitude of change in UPPS-P scores (Likert scale points) will be compared between active and sham tDCS groups from baseline to follow up sessions.
Time frame: Change between baseline and Visit 11, Visit 12 (approximately 2 months), and Visit 13 (approximately 4 months)
Change in reported binge eating as measured by the Binge Eating Scale (BES)
Differences in the magnitude of change in BES scores (Likert scale points) will be compared between active and sham tDCS groups from baseline to follow up sessions.
Time frame: Change between baseline and Visit 11, Visit 12 (approximately 2 months), and Visit 13 (approximately 4 months)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.