Unilateral M1 Anodal tDCS to Enhance Learning in a Gross Movement Videogame Task
Indiana University
Summary
Virtual reality as a gaming method is being used more regularly due to its immersive environments and total body playability. A few studies have used VR paired with brain stimulation as a clinical treatment for PTSD (van't Wout-Frank et al. 2024), as well as for regaining movement and cognitive abilities following stroke (Cheng et al. 2024; Lima et al. 2024). While a clinical use for VR and brain stimulation is the ultimate goal, there have still been no basic science investigations studying the efficacy of pairing the two. This investigation will be the first in exploring the connection between VR and brain stimulation as it relates to behavioral improvements (learning the game quicker) and eventually the investigators will begin to study the exact cortical changes that facilitate the accelerated learning. The game "Beat Saber" was chosen because it requires the subjects to move their arm in a large 3-Dimensional space and gives a performance metric after each trial to measure improvement
Description
The study will utilize a between-subjects, SHAM controlled design. Subjects will be randomly selected to receive either SHAM (n=26) or a-tDCS (n=26) stimulation and will be blinded to their condition throughout testing. Subjects will complete a total of two testing sessions (two study visits or days), separated by \~24 hours. Both sessions will have the subject play the videogame "Beat Saber", with a single song done for several trials as pre- and post-assessments. The first session will contain a 20-minute practice/stimulation block where subjects practice playing a song on Beat Saber while…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * · Healthy adults between the ages 18-45 * Answer 'no' to questions 2 through 18 on the tDCS checklist as these factors can increase likelihood of adverse events with tDCS (Appendix 1) * 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 o…
Interventions
- DevicetDCS
Soterix 1X1 tDCS stimulation device
Location
- National Institute for Fitness and SportIndianapolis, Indiana