Cognitive Embodiment Activation by tDCS

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The main objective of the proposed research is to extend our understanding of how gesture and language interact, focusing on the role of cognitive embodiment in this interaction, and to explore the neural systems that support links between language and actions systems.

Official Title
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Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Gestural-verbal Brain Associations: the Role of Cognitive Embodiment

Conditions
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Healthy Young Adults

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: tDCS
* Device: sham-tDCS


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Right handedness unobtrusive neuropsychological screening Exclusion Criteria: History of severe alcoholism or use of drugs. Severe psychiatric disorders such as depression, psychosis (if not in remission) and severe untreated medical problems. Contraindication for MRT (claustrophobia, metallic implants, ferromagnetic metals in the body, disorders of thermoregulation, pregnant women).

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Anodal tDCS + semantic, motor, attentional tasks<br>Combination of gestural (subjects have to indicate if the gesture is related to the word), attentional and motor tasks with anodal stimulation | Device: tDCS<br>* Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)<br>* Other names: Neuroconn;|
| Sham Comparator: Sham tDCS + semantic, motor, attentional tasks<br>Combination of gestural (subjects have to indicate if the gesture is related to the word), attentional and motor tasks with sham stimulation | Device: sham-tDCS<br>* sham stimulation<br>* Other names: Neuroconn;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| response time in semantic decision task | Comparing response time in semantic decision task under anodal tDCS compared to sham stimulation (change from sham stimulation) | assessed during stimulation or sham stimulation of semantic decision task (last approximately 10 min) at specific timepoint within 2 weeks | 
| performance in attentional load task | Attentional load task: Participants are presented with a 6 positions ring that includes different shapes, they have to press V when they see a square and N when they see a diamond. They will have to ignore any shapes other than square and diamond within the ring or distractors that appear outside the ring. Comparing performance in attentional load task under anodal tDCS compared to sham stimulation (change from sham stimulation) | assessed during stimulation or sham stimulation of attentional load task (last approximately 6 min) at specific timepoint within 2 weeks | 
| performance in motor task | Motor Task: Participants are presented with a red Box and they have to click a button each time they see it as fast as they can. Comparing performance in motor task under anodal tDCS compared to sham stimulation (change from sham stimulation) | assessed during stimulation or sham stimulation of motor task (last approximately 4 min) at specific timepoint within 2 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Functional connectivity predictors | Connectivity as measured by resting-state fMRI during baseline as predictors for performance and tDCS responsiveness | assessed during baseline testing | 
| Other cognitive outcomes: change in working memory performance | Digit span backward performance assessed before (baseline) and after stimulation to test for tDCS effects on working memory | change in working memory performance from baseline after 30 min (approximately) | 
| Other cognitive outcomes: change in Attention performance | Digit span forward performance assessed before baseline) and after stimulation to test for tDCS effects on attention | change in attention performance from baseline after 30 min (approximately) |