Identify the effect of tDCS parameters on motor learning in healthy individuals by measuring effects on visuomotor adaptation rate and retention, and study the influence of a common BDNF mutation.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Central nervous system vascular disorders
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The main objective of the study is to determine the effect of different tDCS
parameters on motor learning in healthy individuals. As a paradigmatic motor
learning task, we will use a well-described visuomotor adaptation paradigm
during reaching movements. During these fast reaching movements, an unexpected
30-degree rotation is introduced which requires subjects to learn a new
visuomotor transformation. Visuomotor adaptation performance will be quanti*ed
in each trial using the angular end point error, de*ned as the angle between
the line connecting the starting position to the center of the target and the
line connecting the starting position to the end point. Retention will be
quantified as the rate of deadaptation without visual feedback. Thus, the goal
of the study is to define specific parameters of tDCS stimulation that obtain
the optimal stimulation configuration for achieving rapid adaptation and
extended retention.
Secondary outcome
To determine the main effect of each of the (isolated) tDCS parameters on motor
learning in healthy individuals with regard to visuomotor adaptation rate and
retention.
To determine if interactions are present between the different tDCS parameters
with regard to visuomotor adaptation rate and retention in healthy individuals.
To determine the size of the interaction effects with regard to visuomotor
adaptation rate and retention in healthy individuals.
To determine if the presence of a common BDNF mutation modifies the effect of
tDCS on visuomotor adaptation rate and retention.
To determine the main effect of the BDNF mutation on motor learning with regard
to visuomotor adaptation rate and retention.
To determine the wash-out period (period of time in which the effects of tDCS
are still present without stimulation) for tDCS effects on motor learning in
healthy individuals with regard to visuomotor adaptation rate and retention.
Background summary
About 80% of stroke patients suffer motor impairments. The first months of
rehabilitation are critical to regain motor function and avoid limitations in
mobility. Therefore, optimizing the effects of early motor therapy in stroke
patients is crucial for their quality of life. Transcranial Direct Current
Stimulation (tDCS) is a form of non-invasive electrical stimulation where a
weak current is applied through electrodes over the scalp. This stimulation is
known to induce changes in neuronal excitability in a polarity and
site-specific manner, and facilitate motor and cognitive learning. Evidence is
accumulating that it can have a positive effect on stroke recovery. However,
there is great variability in the details of how tDCS is applied. These details
include the precise geometry of the stimulating electrodes, electrode
placement, stimulus amplitude and duration, and the number and frequency of
sessions. None of these variables have been either standardized or carefully
explored. In addition, there is increasing evidence that the effect of tDCS is
modified by a very common BNDF mutation that affects approximately 30% of the
population. Thus, our study proposes to vary the different tDCS variables in a
controlled manner and to test the efficacy of tDCS under different stimulus
configurations. The outcome of this study can provide important guidelines on
effective motor therapy during stroke rehabilitation.
Study objective
Identify the effect of tDCS parameters on motor learning in healthy individuals
by measuring effects on visuomotor adaptation rate and retention, and study the
influence of a common BDNF mutation.
Study design
Double-blinded, randomized within-subjects trials
Intervention
Subjects receive real or sham tDCS over the motor cortex or cerebellum for at
most 30 minutes with an intensity up to 2mA.
Study burden and risks
Subjects are asked to provide a sputum sample for BDNF analysis and have to
visit the Erasmus Medical Centre up to 6 times for visuomotor experiments. Each
session will take up to 80 minutes. During each session, subjects will receive
real or sham stimulation over the motor cortex and/ or cerebellum. tDCS is
reported to be safe; side effects are mild. There will be financial
compensation for expenses related to participation.
Dr. Molewaterplein 50
Rotterdam 3015 GE
NL
Dr. Molewaterplein 50
Rotterdam 3015 GE
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Healthy
Aged 18-55
Exclusion criteria
History of neurological or psychiatric disorders
History of neurosurgery
Taking acute or chronic psychoactive drugs
Alcoholism
Design
Recruitment
Medical products/devices used
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
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Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL46430.078.13 |