Using brain stimulation to improve hand movement control

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 non-invasive brain stimulation, specifically high-density transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS), can enhance motor function in healthy individuals. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a standard HD-tDCS intervention or a personalized, dose-controlled multifocal network-targeted HD-tDCS. The goal is to determine if personalized stimulation can lead to greater improvements in manual dexterity compared to standard methods. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) will be utilized to assess brain activity during the interventions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants should be in good health with normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity
* Right handed
* No history of neurological disorder
* English speaker
* Able to provide written consent prior to admission

Exclusion Criteria:

* Left-handed
* Participants are pregnant, suspect pregnancy or are attempting to become pregnant
* Have a pacemaker, intracardiac lines or any other medically implanted device or medicine pump
* Have cochlear hearing implants
* Taking drugs known to influence neural receptors that facilitate neuroplasticity (see protocol)
* Have non removable body piercings or have foreign objects in body
* Have metal anywhere in the head that could increase risk of serious injury (not including braces, dental fillings, etc.) (see protocol)
* Have a personal or family history of seizure/epilepsy
* Taking prescription drugs that lower the threshold for seizures
* Recent history of excessive alcohol consumption
* History of alcohol addiction/dependence
* Recent history of recreational drug use
* History of drug addiction/dependence
* Recent history of recreational drug use
* History of drug addiction/dependence
* Diagnosed with a stroke, brain hemorrhage, brain tumor, encephalitis.
* Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
* Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease
* Diagnosed with depression in the past 6 months
* Diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia, manic depressive (bipolar) disorder
* Diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus or increased intra-cranial pressure
* Diabetes requiring insulin treatment
* Any serious heart disorder or liver disease

Where it's running

• University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Michael Vesia, PhD — University of Michigan
• Study coordinator: Michael Vesia, PhD
• Email: mvesia@umich.edu
• Phone: 734-764-5237

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.