Effects of brain stimulation on response inhibition in young adults
Brain Circuitry of Inhibitory Control: Effects of Modulation
This study is testing whether a type of brain stimulation can help healthy young adults improve their ability to control their responses in challenging tasks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 108 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Butler Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Providence, Rhode Island) |
| Trial ID | NCT04247334 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how neuromodulation can influence brain networks associated with inhibitory control in healthy young adults. By applying transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), researchers aim to modify these networks and enhance performance on tasks requiring response inhibition. The findings could provide insights into the underlying brain mechanisms and potentially improve treatments for various disorders linked to inhibitory control difficulties.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy young adults with either low or high inhibitory control as measured by the BRIEF-Inhibit scale.
Not a fit: Patients with current substance abuse disorders or those on psychiatric medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved therapies for individuals with disorders characterized by inhibitory control challenges.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of tDCS for response inhibition is relatively novel, similar neuromodulation techniques have shown promise in other cognitive domains.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Low (\<1sd below the mean on the BRIEF-Inhibit) or high (\>1sd above the mean on BRIEF-Inhibit scale) 2. English fluency to ensure comprehension of study measures and instructions. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Presence of medical conditions contraindicated for tDCS, including history of any known intracranial pathology, epilepsy or seizures, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, stroke, implanted medical devices, current pregnancy or women of childbearing age not using effective contraception, or any other serious medical conditions or health problems that would interfere with participation (e.g., skin condition) 2. Inability to undergo MRI 3. Current substance abuse disorder 4. Currently prescribed psychiatric medications. 5. Active mania or psychosis
Where this trial is running
Providence, Rhode Island
- Butler Hospital — Providence, Rhode Island, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nicole McLaughlin, PhD
- Email: nmclaughlin@butler.org
- Phone: 4014556608
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.