None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Functional brain imaging studies have shown dysfunctional neural activity in the cortical reward system network of obese individuals. Thus, a reasonable hypothesis would be that altering this pathological state using techniques of non-invasive neuromodulation may prove to be a therapeutic option. To date, no studies have used transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) in the treatment of obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to use (tRNS) to target the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as part of the ‘addictive network’ in 28 obese food-addicted individuals (as defined by the Yale Food Addiction Scale, YFAS) to investigate the effects on craving/wanting and brain activity.
Interventions
Group 1: placebo tRNS
Group 2: active tRNS
For tRNS:
a) Dose administered: 1 mA for 10 minutes with 60 seconds ramp up and ramp down at the beginning and end of each stimulation session.
b) Frequency of stimulation: 3 times a week for 2 weeks.
c) Treatment will be administered by a trained Assistant Research Fellow
d) Mode of administration: external head device (Starstim system- NE neuroelectrics) worn with electrodes on anterior cingulate cortex (4 cathodes at F7, T3, F8 and T4; 1 anode at F
Group 1: placebo tRNS Group 2: active tRNS For tRNS: a) Dose administered: 1 mA for 10 minutes with 60 seconds ramp up and ramp down at the beginning and end of each stimulation session. b) Frequency of stimulation: 3 times a week for 2 weeks. c) Treatment will be administered by a trained Assistant Research Fellow d) Mode of administration: external head device (Starstim system- NE neuroelectrics) worn with electrodes on anterior cingulate cortex (4 cathodes at F7, T3, F8 and T4; 1 anode at Fz) e) Monitoring adherence using Case Report Forms
Sponsors
Department of Medicine, University of Otago
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
20 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
aged 20-60, BMI more or equals 30, Scores equals to or more than 3 on the Yale Food Addiction Scale
Exclusion criteria
Major weight gain or loss in the last 6 months (5 kg or more), recent significant head injuries, psychiatric disorders, history of epilepsy, metal implants, recurring headache, previous bariatric surgery, previous diagnosis of eating disorder, females who are or intend to become pregnant, other health problems (diabetes, cancer, heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension)
Outcome results
None listed