To disentangle the role of knowledge and structure on amodal completion using online transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
Onderzoek bij gezonde vrijwilligers
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Due to tDCS stimulation we expect to see a modulation of the ERPs related to
the amodal completion process.
Secondary outcome
n.a.
Background summary
We perceive objects in the world as complete objects, even if they are partly
occluded, either by themselves or by other objects. This filling-in of the
occluded parts by the brain is called amodal completion. Brain research
indicates involvement of both top-down (knowledge) en bottom-up (stimulus
properties) processes. However, the exact contribution of both processes
remains unclear and the existing evidence is correlational of nature. In the
current study we will deploy transcranial direct current stimulation and
electroencephalogram recordings to directly manipulate these processes and
read-out the effects using EEG to determine their contributions and at what
moment in (neural) time.
Study objective
To disentangle the role of knowledge and structure on amodal completion using
online transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
Study design
Placebo-controlled double-blind within-subjects design with healthy volunteers.
Intervention
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) will be delivered by a
battery-driven electric current stimulator (Eldith DC
Stimulator (CE 0118), llmenau) using three electrodes.
Two cathodes to left and right parietal cortex (4x3 cm); One anode over the
vertex (9x5 cm).
Active stimulation
Duration: 25 minutes
Intensity: 1 mA
Placebo stimulation
Duration: 25 minutes
Intensity: 1 mA
Study burden and risks
Participants will not directly benefit from their participation in the study,
except for a compensatory (financial) incentive. Transcranial current
stimulation (tCS) is a widely used non-invasive brain stimulation technique,
applying weak direct/alternating currents (tDCS/tACS) via conductive
rubber/sponge electrodes to the scalp. These weak currents can slightly shift
the neurons* membrane potential and thereby increase or decrease spontaneous
neuronal activity in the stimulated cortex, but (unlike TMS) they do not evoke
action potentials. During the stimulation, participants may transiently
experience light tingling, itching or burning sensations on the skin underlying
the electrodes, which can be unpleasant. The most common side effects are a
light transient headache and a feeling of fatigue. In the current study,
healthy participants will be stimulated with a protocol that is considered safe
with respect to the latest published safety guidelines. All subjects are
screened for their relevant medical history and other tCS safety aspects (e.g.
metal parts in the head, skin allergies). In summary, because the risk is
negligible and the burden associated with participation can be considered
minimal, we do not expect serious adverse events during the project.
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 | NL60946.091.17 |