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A promising form of enhancing brain function non-invasively involves stimulating the brain using weak magnetic or electric currents. This method is becoming increasingly popular in both clinical and commercial circles; a number of portable, at-home devices are available on the commercial market for personal use. In this study, the investigators aim to determine factors associated with the enhancement of cognitive and motor learning following transcranial direct-current stimulation in healthy young adults. Understanding how participants respond to brain stimulation is critical to maximizing the effectiveness of stimulation and determining its potential as a performance-enhancing aid for mental tasks. Future developments of this study may also inform the capacity of brain stimulation to act as non-drug alternative to treatment for cognitive decline.
This study involves a single session of anodal tDCS, applied over the motor cortex, while performing a task of motor dexterity. Pre and post stimulation evaluations will assess any effects of the stimulation on motor and cognitive performance.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Experimental | Non-invasive brain stimulation protocol expected to improve performance, with cognitively challenging game |
|
| Group 2 | Placebo Comparator | Non-invasive brain stimulation protocol not expected to improve performance, with cognitively challenging game |
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| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation | Device | Non-invasive brain stimulation applied to the surface of the scalp |
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| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in ratings on cognitive training survey | This survey aims to assess participant perceptions on brain stimulation, and includes a series of related questions, rated on a scale of 1-7. | Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period |
| Change in cognitive performance | We will measure changes in cognitive performance on neuropsychological tests. | Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period |
| Change in game performance | We will measure changes in performance on a cognitively-challenging game performed concurrently with the non-invasive brain stimulation. | Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period |
| Change in motor performance | We will measure changes in motor performance on the Grooved Pegboard task. | Baseline, Post-test following 20-minute stimulation period |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants will be required to fill out a brief health questionnaire to ensure that they have no conditions that would prevent brain stimulation.
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| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sheida Rabipour, PhD | University of Ottawa | Principal Investigator |
| Francois Tremblay, PT, PhD | Bruyere Continuing Care | Principal Investigator |
| Patrick SR Davidson, PhD | University of Ottawa | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruyere Continuing Care | Ottawa | Ontario | K1N 5C8 | Canada | ||
| Bruyere Research Institute |
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| Label | URL |
|---|---|
| Dr. Patrick Davison | View source |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D009043 | Motor Activity |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D001519 | Behavior |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D065908 | Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D004599 | Electric Stimulation Therapy |
| D013812 | Therapeutics |
| D003295 | Convulsive Therapy |
| D013000 | Psychiatric Somatic Therapies |
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| Working Memory Training | Behavioral | Cognitively challenging game played concurrently with transcranial direct-current stimulation |
|
| Ottawa |
| Ontario |
| Canada |
| D004191 | Behavioral Disciplines and Activities |
| D004597 | Electroshock |
| D011580 | Psychological Techniques |