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Improving Locomotor Learning With Brain Stimulation

NCT06414213 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 38

Last updated 2025-02-03

Study results available
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Summary

The primary goal of this research was to assess the practicality and initial effectiveness of a motor imagery (MI) intervention combined with elements of action observation (AO), alongside active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the prefrontal cortex (PFC), on locomotor learning in healthy adults. Feasibility was determined by examining recruitment rates, participant engagement, and safety measures. The efficacy of the intervention was gauged by analyzing the time taken to complete tasks and changes in cerebral blood flow immediately after the intervention and one week later. The study was guided by three main hypotheses: (1) the intervention techniques would be well-received and safe for the participants; (2) compared to a control group, MI training would lead to better learning outcomes and retention of learning; (3) in comparison to the control and sham tDCS groups, active tDCS would result in superior learning outcomes and retention of learning.

Conditions

  • Motor Learning

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Motor Imagery (MI)

Participants watched a standardized video sequence that consisted of an individual completing twenty walking trials (twenty video clips-each clip represents one trial). Participants were instructed to place their focus intently on the person performing the obstacle course and try to imagine themselves doing the skill. Periodically, a reminder would appear to help focus and redirect participant's attention to different aspects of the video or different versions of imagery (visual or kinesthetic). Participants will watch the video first at normal play speed and then in slow motion after a short break (30 secs to 1 min). Total training time will be approximately 20 mins which is consistent with the duration of the locomotor intervention and duration of stimulation.

DEVICE

Active tDCS

The participants received a 20-minute "active" session of tDCS at a 2-milliamp current.

DEVICE

Sham tDCS

The participants received a 20-minute session of "sham" tDCS.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Appalachian State University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Jared W Skinner, PhD · Appalachian State University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
99 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2022-09-20
Primary Completion
2022-12-22
Completion
2022-12-22
FDA Device
Yes

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06414213 on ClinicalTrials.gov