Performance Enhancement and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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Performance Enhancement and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation

Conditions
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Executive Function, Motor Activity, Brain Stimulation

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
* Behavioral: Working Memory Training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Participants must be in good health, between 18-35 years of age with no prior history of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke with paralysis. Exclusion Criteria: Participants with cardiac stimulators (pace-makers) and those with metal implants in the skull will be excluded. Pregnant women will also be excluded. Participants will be required to fill out a brief health questionnaire to ensure that they have no conditions that would prevent brain stimulation.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 35 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: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Group 1<br>Non-invasive brain stimulation protocol expected to improve performance, with cognitively challenging game | Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation<br>* Non-invasive brain stimulation applied to the surface of the scalp<br>Behavioral: Working Memory Training<br>* Cognitively challenging game played concurrently with transcranial direct-current stimulation<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Group 2<br>Non-invasive brain stimulation protocol not expected to improve performance, with cognitively challenging game | Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation<br>* Non-invasive brain stimulation applied to the surface of the scalp<br>Behavioral: Working Memory Training<br>* Cognitively challenging game played concurrently with transcranial direct-current stimulation<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | 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 |