Unilateral M1 Anodal tDCS to Enhance Learning in a Gross Movement Videogame Task

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Motor Activity

In brief

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

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07447882

Run by

Indiana University

People needed

52

Starts

2025-04-23

Expected to finish

2026-08-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-01

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 45. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• · 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

You may not qualify if…

• · 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.

Where it is running

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

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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