Effects of brain stimulation on cognitive control and attention
Official title: Effects of PFC tDCS on Cognitive Control, Attention Lapses and Coordinated Neural Activity in the Theta and Alpha Bands
Run by University of California, Davis · NCT04885322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a type of brain stimulation can improve attention and thinking skills in healthy people by comparing the effects of stimulating different areas of the brain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Davis Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sacramento, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 14, 2021 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 5, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04885322 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 to 50 who can understand and complete cognitive tasks in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of head trauma, current or previous psychotropic medication treatment, or contraindications to tDCS will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) affects cognitive control and attention in healthy individuals. By applying tDCS to specific areas of the scalp, researchers aim to understand the neural mechanisms involved in higher-order cognitive processes such as language comprehension and memory. Participants will undergo cognitive tasks while their performance is measured through behavioral assessments and EEG recordings. The study compares the effects of stimulating the prefrontal cortex versus the occipital cortex to determine which area enhances cognitive performance more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new non-invasive methods for enhancing cognitive function in various populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with tDCS in enhancing cognitive functions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * between ages of 18 and 50 * ability to sufficiently speak and understand English so as to be able to understand and complete cognitive tasks * ability to give valid informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * no history of head trauma * no current or previous history of treatment with psychotropic medication * corrected vision 20/30 or better * tDCS/MRI contraindications, including: pregnancy, ferrous metal in any part of the body, serious medical conditions, claustrophobia, metallic implants, skin damage, conditions such as eczema at electrode sites, cranial pathologies
Where it's running
-
Imaging Research Center
Sacramento, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Minhtrang Chu
- Email: mihchu@ucdavis.edu
- Phone: 1-916-734-1482
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.