HD-tDCS for Hand Function Improvement
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine how High-density transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) might enhance hand movement by altering brain processes. Researchers will divide participants into two groups: one will receive a standard dose, while the other will receive a personalized dose targeting specific brain networks. The goal is to assess whether the personalized approach improves hand function more effectively than the standard one. Suitable candidates for this trial are healthy right-handed individuals with no history of neurological disorders who can understand and consent in English. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could provide new insights into brain function and hand movement improvement.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you do not take drugs known to influence neural receptors that facilitate neuroplasticity or prescription drugs that lower the threshold for seizures. If you are on such medications, you may need to stop taking them to participate.
What prior data suggests that this technique is safe for improving hand function?
Research shows that High-density transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) is generally easy for people to handle. Studies have not found any serious side effects or permanent injuries in humans, indicating that the treatment is relatively safe.
Similarly, multifocal network-targeted HD-tDCS, a type of HD-tDCS, also appears safe and well-tolerated. Research has examined its effects on brain connections, and safety tests have confirmed it is manageable for participants.
Overall, both treatments in this study have safety records suggesting they are suitable for human use, with no serious side effects reported in previous research.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about HD-tDCS for hand function improvement because it offers a non-invasive way to enhance brain activity and improve motor functions. Unlike standard therapies that rely on physical exercises or medications, HD-tDCS uses electrical currents to stimulate specific areas of the brain, potentially leading to faster and more targeted improvements in hand function. The multifocal network-targeted HD-tDCS goes a step further by personalizing the stimulation to each individual's brain network, which may increase the effectiveness of the treatment. These innovative approaches could provide new hope for patients seeking quicker and more efficient recovery options.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving hand function?
This trial compares two approaches to high-density transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) for enhancing hand function. Studies have shown that HD-tDCS can improve arm and hand movement, particularly in stroke recovery. This technique uses a gentle electrical current to stimulate specific brain areas, enhancing movement skills. Participants in one arm of the trial will receive standard HD-tDCS sessions, which research has found can improve both movement and cognitive abilities. Another arm will test a personalized approach called multifocal network-targeted HD-tDCS, focusing on specific brain areas related to hand movement. Early results suggest that this personalized method could lead to even greater improvements in hand function.36789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Michael Vesia, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy individuals interested in how brain stimulation can affect movement control. Participants should be willing to undergo non-invasive brain stimulation and fMRI scans. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, so generally healthy adults may apply.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either standard HD-tDCS or personalized dose-controlled multifocal network-targeted HD-tDCS in three daily sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in precision force-tracking task and reaction time 24 hours after the third session
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- High-density transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)
- Multifocal network targeted HD-tDCS
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Michigan
Lead Sponsor
Medical University of South Carolina
Collaborator
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborator