None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of a non-invasive external brain stimulation technique [Transcranial current stimulation (TCS)] on cognitive functioning (e.g. memory, attention) and experimental pain measures (e.g. sensitivity to pressure/pain sensation) in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Different regions of our brain work together synchronously, such that certain regions of the brain are activated and others are deactivated based on a particular task. This study will compare the effects of stimulating a single brain region versus simultaneously stimulating two brain regions, on cognitive functioning and experimental pain measures. The findings from this study will help us determine if simultaneously targeting different brain regions can improve cognitive functioning and pain measures. The brain regions targeted in the current study have demonstrated to be altered in several neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, schizophrenia, chronic pain, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease). The TCS technique has considerable potential as a treatment for these disorders due to its relatively low cost, safety, portability, and ease of use compared with other methods. This study will thus help us establish safety and efficacy of the proposed stimulation technique and will enable us to develop novel interventions to improve health outcomes in various (above mentioned) clinical conditions.
Interventions
Transcranial current stimulation will be administered for a single session of 30 minutes duration using a 32 channel transcranial current stimulator (Starstim32 TCS®, Neuroelectrics, Spain), by a researcher experienced in neuromodulation techniques. For the active treatment group, the stimulation will be delivered (through 12 electrodes placed on the scalp) at a current strength of maximum of 2mA for 30min, with 60s ramp up and ramp down at the beginning and end of each stimulation session, with
Transcranial current stimulation will be administered for a single session of 30 minutes duration using a 32 channel transcranial current stimulator (Starstim32 TCS®, Neuroelectrics, Spain), by a researcher experienced in neuromodulation techniques. For the active treatment group, the stimulation will be delivered (through 12 electrodes placed on the scalp) at a current strength of maximum of 2mA for 30min, with 60s ramp up and ramp down at the beginning and end of each stimulation session, with continuous stimulation in between.
Sponsors
University of Otago
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
35 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
To be included in the study, participants must meet all of the following inclusion criteria: • Capable of understanding and signing an informed consent form • Cognitively healthy, as determined by age norms of Mini Mental Status Examination • Age between 35 to 75 years on the day of the consent and • Right dominant
Exclusion criteria
Participants who meet any of the following conditions will be excluded: • History of neurological disease • History of epileptic seizures • Unstable medical or psychiatric conditions • Presence of any pacemaker or defibrillator • Presence of any implant in head/neck • Presence of any pain/ related condition • Alcohol or substance abuse • Presence of any peripheral neuropathy or vascular pathology
Outcome results
None listed