To investigate the direct role of local beta oscillatory activity in the frontal cortex during a reversal learning paradigm.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
niet van toepassing - onderzoek bij gezonde vrijwilligers
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Primary research outcome: Reversal learning speed as measured by logistic
curves.
Secondary outcome
Secondary research outcome: (1) TACS-induced behavioural changes in beta, theta
and theta/beta ratio activity.
Background summary
EEG studies have shown the importance of local frontal theta and beta activity
during reversal learning. In a previous study theta tACS decreased theta/beta
ratio activity and led to an increase in learning speed. However, it is still
unclear how changes in beta activity alter reversal learning performance.
Therefore, we will apply in-phase and anti-phase local beta tACS. It is
expected that in-phase beta tACS will increase beta oscillatory activity and
consequently decrease the theta/beta ratio activity and increase learning
speed.
Study objective
To investigate the direct role of local beta oscillatory activity in the
frontal cortex during a reversal learning paradigm.
Study design
Placebo controlled double-blind between subjects design.
Intervention
Online in-phase and anti-phase transcranial alternating current stimulation
(tACS) will be delivered by a battery-driven electric current stimulator
(Eldith DC Stimulator (CE 0118), Ilmenau) using two pair of electrodes over
left and right frontal cortex (5x3 cm each). In-phase and anti-phase
stimulation will be applied at a frequency of 20 Hz and an intensity of 1 mA
peak to peak (current density for each electrode: 0.067 mA/cm²). These
conditions will be compared to a placebo condition in which sham tACS is
applied.
Study burden and risks
The currently proposed tACS procedure and experiment does not carry any
significant risks. Stimulation will be performed in line with the Standard
Operating Procedure Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation of the Donders Institute for
Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. Potential side-effects of tACS are perception
of light tingling, itching or burning sensations on the under the electrodes,
light headache and/or fatigue. These are mild discomforts that respond promptly
to common analgesics. Volunteers can withdraw from the study at any given time
and there are no direct benefits for the participants. The novel insights will
broaden our understanding of the brain and may contribute to the feasibility
and development of possible new ways to improve learning using non-invasive
brain modulation.
Montessorilaan 3
Nijmegen 6525HR
NL
Montessorilaan 3
Nijmegen 6525HR
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Between 18-35 years of age years; Right-handed; Non-smoking; Normal or corrected-to-normal vision; Willingness and ability to give written informed consent and willingness and ability to understand the nature and content, to participate and to comply with the study requirements.
Exclusion criteria
(1) Average use of more than 3 alcoholic beverages daily; (2) Use of psychotropic medication or recreational drugs; (3) Skin disease; (4) Pregnancy; (5) Serious head trauma or brain surgery; (6) Neurological or psychiatric disorders; (7) Large or ferromagnetic metal parts in the head (except for a dental wire); (8) Implanted cardiac pacemaker or neurostimulator; (9) Participation in a NBS study in the past 28 days; (10) Previous participation in 10 or more NBS studies.
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL58562.091.16 |