tDCS to boost learning of a two-handed precision video-game task.

Modulation of Motor Learning Via tDCS in a Dexterous Video Game Task

This trial tests whether a short session of noninvasive brain stimulation (tDCS) helps healthy adults learn a two-handed, precision video-game (Guitar Hero) task better than sham stimulation.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 52 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 45 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Indiana University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• Trial ID: NCT07202702 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized, sham-controlled experiment will enroll 52 healthy adults aged 18–45 who are blinded to condition and randomized to either active anodal tDCS (n=26) or sham (n=26). Participants complete two sessions about 24 hours apart, with the first session lasting ~75–90 minutes and including a 20-minute practice block with stimulation while playing a single song in the Guitar Hero task, and the second session lasting ~15–20 minutes for follow-up testing. Performance before and after the practice block will be measured as pre/post assessments to quantify motor learning of precision and bimanual coordination. The study examines immediate and short-term effects of motor-cortex stimulation on learning in a controlled laboratory setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are healthy adults age 18–45 without neurological disorders, not taking stimulant medications, able to abstain from caffeine and nicotine for 12 hours before visits, and willing to attend two in-person sessions in Indianapolis.

Not a fit: People older than 45, those with neurological conditions, those taking stimulants, or anyone with contraindications on the tDCS safety checklist are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If effective, this could speed up learning of precise two-handed motor skills using a brief, noninvasive technique that might be applied to rehabilitation or skill training.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small laboratory studies have shown mixed but sometimes modest improvements in motor learning with tDCS, so the approach has preliminary support but is not consistently proven.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Between ages 18 and 45 years old (to avoid any changes in the developing brain, or with aging).
* Answer 'no' to questions 2 through 16 on the tDCS checklist as these factors can increase likelihood of adverse events with tDCS
* No neurological damage, disease, or dysfunction (nerve damage, chronic pain disorders, diabetic neuropathy) that affect the upper limbs.
* No significant acute or chronic medical, neurologic, or illness in the patient that, in the judgment of the Principal Investigator, could compromise subject safety, limit the ability to complete the study, and/or compromise the objectives of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Currently prescribed and taking stimulant medication (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc.)

  * Consumption of over-the-counter stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine (coffee, soda, supplements, energy drinks, tobacco products, or other nicotine containing products such as gum, vape pens, etc...) 12 hours prior to entering the lab on the day of testing as this can directly affect cortical excitability. If a subject takes any of these substances 12 hours prior to session 1 they will be asked to reschedule for a later date.
  * Have played a real stringed instrument in the last 12 months (e.g. guitar, bass, violin)
  * Have played the videogame "Guitar Hero" on a traditional guitar controller in the last 12 months.

Where this trial is running

Indianapolis, Indiana

• National Institute for Fitness and Sport — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Zachary Riley — Indiana University
• Study coordinator: Zachary Riley, PhD

Conditions Motor Activity