Using Electroencephalography (EEG) and Transcranial Current Stimulation (tCS) to Study and Modulate Cognition Study

Overview

Inter-individual variability in responsiveness to interventions poses great challenges for translational neuroscience, and health care in general. The investigations sought to examine the potential for high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) to modulate sustained attention in a manner that was informed by individual differences in EEG indices.

Study Type

  • Study Type: Interventional
  • Study Design
    • Allocation: Randomized
    • Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
    • Primary Purpose: Basic Science
    • Masking: Double (Participant, Investigator)
  • Study Primary Completion Date: October 2016

Detailed Description

Inter-individual variability in responsiveness to interventions poses great challenges for translational neuroscience, and health care in general. Reliable and cost- effective screening procedures that can identify individuals who are more likely to benefit from an intervention could have substantial real-world benefits. Here, the investigators sought to examine the potential for high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) to modulate sustained attention in a manner that was informed by individual differences in a well-studied electrocortical marker, spontaneous theta/beta ratio. The investigators hypothesized that individuals with relatively high theta/beta ratios, putatively reflecting suboptimal cortical arousal, would be more likely to benefit from the gains in cortical excitability afforded by tRNS. Seventy-two young healthy adults were administered 1mA, 2mA and sham tRNS in a double-blind, randomised, cross-over manner, while they performed a continuous monitoring paradigm. Electroencephalography was acquired before and after each stimulation condition. This approach may constitute a feasible means of using individual differences in neurophysiology to inform predictions about outcomes from targeted cognitive interventions.

Interventions

  • Device: Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation
    • The transcranial random noise stimulation was delivered using a StarStim device (Neuroelectrics®, Barcelona, Spain). The electrodes were encased in a pair of saline-soaked sponges (25 cm2 ), and were secured within a Neurolectrics EEG cap over right DLPFC (F4) and right IPL (P4), according to the 10-20 international EEG system. Other details are stated under the ‘intervention arm’ descriptions.

Arms, Groups and Cohorts

  • Sham Comparator: Sham Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation
    • The sham tRNS condition involves 30 seconds of 1.5 mA tRNS, with a ramping period of 30 seconds at the onset and offset. This procedure ensures that, in both the Active and Sham conditions, participants experience the sensations associated with the onset of transcranial electrical stimulation (e.g., tingling sensation)
  • Experimental: 1mA Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation
    • The 1mA tRNS condition consists of 1 mA peak-to-peak (-.5 mA to .5 mA) high frequency noise (100-500 Hz), with amplitude values that are normally distributed and have a mean of zero. The stimulation is delivered for 20 minutes, with a ramping period of 30 seconds at the onset and offset.
  • Experimental: 2mA Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation
    • The only factor that varies for the 2mA tRNS condition is that the high frequency noise has a peak-to-peak of -1 mA to 1mA as opposed to -.5 mA to .5 mA. Again, the stimulation is delivered for 20 minutes, with a ramping period of 30 seconds at the onset and offset.

Clinical Trial Outcome Measures

Primary Measures

  • Electroencephalography
    • Time Frame: 4 minutes
    • Voltage readings from the scalp

Secondary Measures

  • Sustained Attention performance
    • Time Frame: 20 minutes
    • Sustained Attention performance was defined as response time variability on a continuous monitoring paradigm

Participating in This Clinical Trial

Inclusion Criteria

  • Aged 18-35 years Exclusion criteria:

  • Left-handedness – Visual impairment – History of fainting, – History of neurological or psychiatric illness, – Neurological insult – Drug or alcohol abuse – Reporting current use of anti- psychotic or anti-depressant medications

Gender Eligibility: All

Minimum Age: 18 Years

Maximum Age: 35 Years

Are Healthy Volunteers Accepted: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Investigator Details

  • Lead Sponsor
    • University of Oxford
  • Provider of Information About this Clinical Study
    • Sponsor

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