The purpose of this study is to determine whether "transcranial direct current stimulation" (tDCS) is effective in enhancing learning of complex motor tasks of precision and accuracy that require the simultaneous coordination of both hands. The study will utilize a between-subjects, SHAM controlled design. Subjects will be randomly selected to receive either SHAM (n=26) or a-tDCS (n=26) stimulation and will be blinded to their condition throughout testing. Subjects will complete a total of two testing sessions, separated by \~24 hours. Both sessions will have the subject play the videogame "Guitar Hero", with a single song done for several trials as pre- and post-assessments. The first session will contain a 20-minute practice/stimulation block where subjects practice the guitar task while receiving either "active" or "inactive" stimulation of the motor cortex. The first session will last approximately 75 to 90 minutes whereas the second session will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
52
Applying tDCS to determine if it facilitates learning of a video game task
National Institute for Fitness and Sport
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
RECRUITINGImprovement in a video game
To determine whether a-tDCS influences motor skill acquisition of a dexterous video game task by measuring the outcome of videogame performance (number of notes played) with and without a-tDCS
Time frame: 1 year
Retention and Learning
Learning will be measured within-groups by examining retention, or the outcome of video game performance (number of notes played) between the first and second sessions
Time frame: 1 Year
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