The aim of the current study is to investigate and compare the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation and tDCS stimulation on risky decision-making related to food choices in overweight people. Considering the relatively established communication and interaction between the gut-brain-microbiome axis, the investigators expect that transcranial direct current stimulation and probiotic supplementation can both improve decision-making (decrease risky and impulsive decisions) and increase self-control in overweight people.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
By a probiotic blend capsule a specific product is intended which contains the following: Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lactobacillus plantarum Lactobacillus casei Lactobacillus helveticus Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus bulgaricus Lactobacillus gasseri Bifidobacterium bifidum Bifidobacterium lactis Bifidobacterium breve Bifidobacterium longum Streptococcus thermophile Fructooligosaccharides (FOS).
Using a tDCS device, a mild direct electric current is going to be non-invasively administered to the brain using rubber electrodes placed over the scalp.
Using a tDCS device, a mild direct electric current is going to be non-invasively administered to the brain using rubber electrodes placed over the scalp. At this arm the electric current will be applied for a very short time (30 s) after which the device will turn off, thus providing the initial tingling sensation over the scalp but not interfering with the ongoing brain activity.
Atieh neuroscience center
Tehran, Iran
RECRUITINGBody analysis test
This is a technique to determine the percentage of body mass that is fat compared to muscle. It can also indicate where the fat and muscle are carried within the body.
Time frame: Depending on the experimental group: 10 stimulation days in tDCS groups and 30 days in the probiotic group.
Impulsive Behavior Scale Questionnaire measuring Urgency, Premeditation (lack of), Perseverance (lack of), and Sensation seeking (UPPS)
This is a self-report tool that assesses five subscales (urgency, premeditation, perseverance, sensation seeking, and positive urgency) that are used to measure five distinct dimensions of impulsive behavior; each scale ranging from 4 to 16); Higher scores represent worse outcome.
Time frame: Depending on the experimental group: 10 stimulation days in tDCS groups and 30 days in the probiotic group.
Eating attitudes Test (EAT-26)
This tool is used to identify the presence of "eating disorder risk" based on attitudes, feelings and behaviours related to eating. The total score (between 0 and 78) provides an overall risk score, where higher scores indicating greater risk of an eating disorder.
Time frame: Depending on the experimental group: 10 stimulation days in tDCS groups and 30 days in the probiotic group.
Balloon analogue risk task (BART)
BART is a computerized decision-making task that is used to assess risk-taking behavior. The BART simulates a real-world situation, involving actual risky behavior, where taking a risk up until a certain point yields a reward.
Time frame: Depending on the experimental group: 10 stimulation days in tDCS groups and 30 days in the probiotic group.
Tangney self-control questionnaire (Form 36)
This is a self-report measurement to assess individual differences in traits of self-control. Scores range from 0 to 144 with higher scores representing worse outcome.
Time frame: Depending on the experimental group: 10 stimulation days in tDCS groups and 30 days in the probiotic group.
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