The primary objective of the study is to demonstrate the specific involvement of the cerebellum in reversal learning. The secondary objective is to investigate whether the behavioural effects of cerebellar cTBS on reversal learning are moderated by…
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Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
onderzoek bij gezonde vrijwilligers
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The main study parameter is reversal learning performance (e.g., how fast
participants notice and implement a change in reward-punishment contingencies)
as a function of cTBS condition during a computer task.
Secondary outcome
The secondary study parameters are risk-taking as a function of cTBS condition
during a computer task, and the moderating effects of state anger, state
anxiety, trait aggression, trait impulsivity and vagally mediated HRV on
risk-taking and reversal learning performance by cTBS condition.
Background summary
The cerebellum plays a role in controlling and adapting motor-related behaviour
across contexts. Thus far, however, within the cognitive domain no study has
yet examined the role of the cerebellum in reversal learning (cognitive
flexibility) and risk-taking by manipulating cerebellar activity. The aim of
this study is to test whether transient disruption of cerebellar functioning
using transcranial magnetic stimulation will affect reversal learning in
healthy volunteers. Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) will be applied
to the cerebellum before participants engage in a validated reversal learning
gambling task. We anticipate that medial and right lateral cerebellar cTBS will
increase risk-taking and reduce reversal learning performance as compared to
cTBS over the visual cortex (active control site), respectively. In addition,
the involvement of the cerebellum in reversal learning will be explored while
accounting for levels of state anger, state anxiety, trait aggression, trait
impulsivity and vagally mediated heart rate variability (HRV).
Study objective
The primary objective of the study is to demonstrate the specific involvement
of the cerebellum in reversal learning. The secondary objective is to
investigate whether the behavioural effects of cerebellar cTBS on reversal
learning are moderated by state anger, state anxiety, trait aggression, trait
impulsivity and vagally mediated HRV.
Study design
Single-blind randomized between-subjects design.
Intervention
Participants will receive standard 600 pulses of continuous theta-burst
stimulation (bursts of three pulses at 50 Hz every 200 ms) at 45% of machine
intensity for 40 seconds, to either the medial cerebellum, right cerebellum or
visual cortex (depending on the condition). CTBS is a brief and safe TMS
protocol which is routinely used in fundamental research and temporarily lowers
neural excitability (Huang et al., 2005, Neuron, 45, 201-206).
Study burden and risks
Participants will visit the lab once for a maximum of 1,5 hours. Participants*
heart rate will be recorded before and after cTBS during resting-state and
during the task. The cTBS protocol will take 40 seconds and does not carry
significant risks. Safety guidelines as acknowledged by the International
Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology will be followed strictly. CTBS can
cause a mild headache, which can be effectively and promptly treated with
analgesics. Furthermore, cerebellar cTBS may cause muscle contractions in the
neck area which could be perceived as uncomfortable. Participants will fill out
questionnaires and will engage in a reversal learning gambling task, during
which their heart rate will be recorded as well. There are no direct benefits
associated with participation. Volunteers can withdraw from the study at any
time.
Heidelberglaan 1
Utrecht 3584CS
NL
Heidelberglaan 1
Utrecht 3584CS
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Healthy; Between 18 and 35 years of age; Righthanded; Nonsmoking; Normal or
corrected-to-normal vision; Willingness and ability to understand the nature
and content, to participate and to comply with the study requirements;
Willingness and ability to give written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
(1) Use of medication and drugs (except oral contraceptives); (2) Pregnancy or
possible pregnancy; (3) Head trauma or underwent brain surgery; (4)
Neurological or psychiatric condition; (5) Epilepsy or family history of
epilepsy; (6) Metal in the head (except for bridges behind the teeth); (7)
Heart problems; (8) Pacemaker or neurostimulator; (9) Medication pump; (10)
Electronic hearing device; (11) Consumption of more than 3 alcoholic beverages
a day; (12) Participation in a non-invasive brain stimulation study in the past
28 days; (13) Previous participation in 10 or more non-invasive brain
stimulation 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 | NL82216.041.22 |