This study aims to investigate the after-effects of high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) with varying parameters on resting-state brain activity in patients with schizophrenia experiencing auditory hallucinations.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
36
The active intervention consists of high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) delivered using a 4×1 ring configuration (one center electrode surrounded by four return electrodes) over the personalized left or right temporal lobe. The return electrodes deliver one-quarter of the central electrode current with opposite polarity. Stimulation is administered for 90 seconds per condition, with the frequency and current intensity set according to the experimental protocol. A 10-second ramp-up and a 5-second ramp-down period are included in each stimulation condition. The stimulus waveform is sinusoidal. Stimulation is delivered using saline-soaked sponge electrodes. Electrode impedance is maintained below 10 kΩ throughout the stimulation session.
The sham intervention consists of high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) delivered using a 4×1 ring configuration (one center electrode surrounded by four return electrodes) over the personalized left or right temporal lobe. The return electrodes deliver one-quarter of the central electrode current with opposite polarity. To mimic the sensory experience of active stimulation, the sham condition includes a 10-second ramp-up and a 5-second ramp-down period at 0.4 mA and 140 Hz, with no current delivered during the intervening 90-second period.
Fuyang Mental Heath Center
Fuyang, China
Beta2-band EEG power at the stimulation site
Changes in EEG power(dB) in beta2 band within different frequency band measured at the temporal lobe during the 180-second resting-state EEG recording immediately following each stimulation condition.
Time frame: 180-second recording after each 90-second stimulation
Alpha-band EEG power at the stimulation site
Changes in EEG power(dB) in alpha band within different frequency band measured at the temporal lobe during the 180-second resting-state EEG recording immediately following each stimulation condition.
Time frame: 180-second recording after each 90-second stimulation
Delta-band EEG power at the stimulation site
Changes in EEG power(dB) in delta band within different frequency band measured at the temporal lobe during the 180-second resting-state EEG recording immediately following each stimulation condition.
Time frame: 180-second recording after each 90-second stimulation
Theta-band EEG power at the stimulation site
Changes in EEG power(dB) in theta band within different frequency band measured at the temporal lobe during the 180-second resting-state EEG recording immediately following each stimulation condition.
Time frame: 180-second recording after each 90-second stimulation
Gamma-band EEG power at the stimulation site
Changes in EEG power(dB) in gamma band within different frequency band measured at the temporal lobe during the 180-second resting-state EEG recording immediately following each stimulation condition.
Time frame: 180-second recording after each 90-second stimulation
Beta2-band functional connectivity measured by EEG wPLI
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Beta2-band functional connectivity between predefined EEG electrodes, quantified using the weighted Phase Lag Index (wPLI), during the 180-second resting-state EEG recording immediately following each stimulation condition.
Time frame: 180-second recording after each 90-second stimulation
Alpha-band functional connectivity measured by EEG wPLI
Alpha-band functional connectivity between predefined EEG electrodes, quantified using the weighted Phase Lag Index (wPLI), during the 180-second resting-state EEG recording immediately following each stimulation condition.
Time frame: 180-second recording after each 90-second stimulation
Delta-band functional connectivity measured by EEG wPLI
Delta-band functional connectivity between predefined EEG electrodes, quantified using the weighted Phase Lag Index (wPLI), during the 180-second resting-state EEG recording immediately following each stimulation condition.
Time frame: 180-second recording after each 90-second stimulation
Theta-band functional connectivity measured by EEG wPLI
Theta-band functional connectivity between predefined EEG electrodes, quantified using the weighted Phase Lag Index (wPLI), during the 180-second resting-state EEG recording immediately following each stimulation condition.
Time frame: 180-second recording after each 90-second stimulation
Gamma-band functional connectivity measured by EEG wPLI
Gamma-band functional connectivity between predefined EEG electrodes, quantified using the weighted Phase Lag Index (wPLI), during the 180-second resting-state EEG recording immediately following each stimulation condition.
Time frame: 180-second recording after each 90-second stimulation