Healthy Individuals, Learning
Conditions
Keywords
repeated measures design, random assignment to groups
Brief summary
The overall goal of this study is to gain insight into the neural mechanisms of learning multiple tasks. By examination of cognitive and behavioral output during the performance and learning of several computer maze tasks, and through a detailed examination of the neural activity obtained from functional near-infrared (fNIR) and electroencephalography (EEG), it may be possible to gain insight into the impact of the amount of practice and the organization of practice has on learning fine motor skills. This insight may provide direction as to how to better develop instructional and rehabilitation protocols in addition to clinical interventions to facilitate recovery of function, relearning and transfer of cognitive and fine motor skills based upon neural responses to physical practice.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPractice Order
Blocked order - predictable Random order - unpredictable
Sponsors
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Drexel University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* 18 to 55 years of age * vision correctable to 20/20 * right-handed * English is first language or learned English before age of 5 years
Exclusion criteria
* 17 years or younger and 56 years or older * pregnant * have latex or tape adhesives allergies * self-exclude if: * had a history of seizures, head injury or neurological dysfunction * history or diagnosis of depression, schizophrenia or social phobia * previous admission to alcohol/drug treatment program or diagnosis of alcohol/drug abuse * take medications know to affect neurological function.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| metabolic measures of neural activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex | outcomes measured 72 - 96 hours post-training | Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIR) uses specific wavelets of light, that are introduced at the scalp to measure changes in the relative ratios of deoxygenated hemoglobin and oxygenated hemoglobin in the capillary beds during brain activity. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral measures | measured 72-96 hours post training | maze behavioral responses of time to traverse the maze (sec), distance traveled (pixels)and average maze velocity (pixels/sec) are calculated. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed