Unilateral M1 Anodal tDCS to Enhance Learning in a Gross Movement Videogame Task
ConditionMotor Activity
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-45
SponsorIndiana University
About this trial
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
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
· 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 of the study
Disqualifiers
· 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 the game Beat Saber on a Virtual Reality Headset in the last 12 months.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
tDCS
DeviceSoterix 1X1 tDCS stimulation device
Treatment groups
52 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: tDCSExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: SHAMSham comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Total number of good hits
Beat Saber is a virtual reality (VR) rhythm game where players use motion controllers to slice, with virtual sabers, colored blocks that fly toward them in time with electronic music. The total number of good hits during the post-assessment game performance will be tallied and compared to the total number of good hits from the pre-assessment game performance.
Time frame
Day 12
Total accuracy
Beat Saber is a virtual reality (VR) rhythm game where players use motion controllers to slice, with virtual sabers, colored blocks that fly toward them in time with electronic music. Total accuracy of the game performance during the post-assessment game will be tallied and compared to the total number of good hits from the pre-assessment game performance.
Time frame
Day 1Secondary outcomes
1
Total number of good hits
Beat Saber is a virtual reality (VR) rhythm game where players use motion controllers to slice, with virtual sabers, colored blocks that fly toward them in time with electronic music. The total number of good hits during the post-assessment game performance will be tallied.
Time frame
Day 22
Total accuracy
Beat Saber is a virtual reality (VR) rhythm game where players use motion controllers to slice, with virtual sabers, colored blocks that fly toward them in time with electronic music. Total accuracy of the game performance during the post-assessment game will be tallied.
Time frame
Day 2Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov