Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Cognitive Training to Reduce Impulsivity and Weight in Veterans With Obesity: A Clinical Trial
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can increase the effectiveness of cognitive training to reduce impulsivity in individuals with obesity, and to evaluate weight change with these individuals. The long-term goal of this research is to develop new treatment approaches for individuals with obesity.
Description
Two-hundred forty individuals will be screened with the goal of consenting and enrolling up to 124 patients and 88 patients completing the study. Participants completing the study will concurrently complete a structured weight loss program. The investigators' study protocol will consist of 13 study visits including four testing days, one before (V1), one on the day of the tenth session of tDCS (V11), another test visit (V12) 6 weeks later, and a final test visit approximately 4 months after beginning stimulation (V13).
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran enrolled in a MOVE! Weight Management Program (group or individual) at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System * Obese (BMI\>30 or BMI\>27 plus at least one weight-related comorbidity) * Adults, ages 18 years or older (up to age 80) * Able to understand English, self-consent and follow study-related procedures * Willing to use a reliable form of birth control if they are of females of child-bearing potential Exclusion Criteria: * History of any of the following: seizures, severe or moderate head injury, head surgery, significant neurological disorder (significanc…
Interventions
- DeviceSham Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Cognitive training concurrent with sham tDCS (30 seconds ramp up/ramp down at the beginning of the session)
- DeviceActive Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Cognitive training concurrent with 2 mAmps of anodal stimulation applied to the left frontal cortex for 20 minutes.
Location
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MNMinneapolis, Minnesota