Dysphagia, Swallowing Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
transcranial alternating current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation, frequency, full spectrum
Brief summary
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) are two (CE marked medical devices) new, non-invasive (over the scalp) brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques. Both tACS and tRNS deliver a weak current continuously across the brain using pads placed over the scalp, which has been shown safe and well-tolerated by healthy adults and patients. These two techniques are able to softly alter physiological function within the brain. tACS can influence the brainwaves which have been demonstrated to play important roles in movement, sensation, and thinking functions. tACS and tRNS have been investigated for several years and have been shown to be safe, well tolerated and produce beneficial results in hand movement, hearing, and working memory. Swallowing problems are life-threatening symptom among patients with brain impairments and elderly people. Until now, there are no studies investigating whether tACS and tRNS can have a beneficial effect on swallowing function in human. Our aim is to examine the effects of different strengths of tACS and tRNS to determine the best approach for brain stimulation that controls swallowing action, before using these techniques in patients with (neurological) swallowing disorders. Participants: Healthy adults who are aged 18 years old or above with no medical complications or significant past medical history will be recruited in the study.
Interventions
DEVICETranscranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) are two (CE marked medical devices) new, non-invasive (over the scalp) brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques. Both tACS and tRNS deliver a weak current continuously across the brain using pads placed over the scalp, which has been shown safe and well-tolerated by healthy adults and patients. These two techniques are able to softly alter physiological function within the brain. tACS can influence the brainwaves which have been demonstrated to play important roles in movement, sensation, and thinking functions. tACS and tRNS have been investigated for several years and have been shown to be safe, well tolerated and produce beneficial results in hand movement, hearing, and working memory.
Sponsors
University of Manchester
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Intervention model description
All people studied will have each of the five treatments separately over different days in random order.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy adults who are aged 18 years old or above with no medical complications or significant past medical history
Exclusion criteria
* a history of epilepsy * cardiac pacemaker * previous brain surgery * previous swallowing problems * risk of potential pregnancy * metal in the head or eyes * use of medication that acts on the central nervous system.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes of pharyngeal motor evoked potential amplitudes (PMEPs) | These cortical excitability measurements will be recorded at baseline, followed by immediately after intervention, then every 15 minutes up to 120 minutes afterwards. | Cortical excitability of the pharyngeal motor cortices are being assessed as the primary endpoints. Therefore, the changes in EMG pharyngeal motor evoked potential amplitudes (PMEPs) following the intervention applied to pharyngeal motor cortex are being collected. |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed