Psychophysical Training for Skill Acquisition

(Visuallearning Trial)

Overseen By Research Assistant

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Brown University

Must not be taking: Psychoactive drugs, Neuroleptic medications

Disqualifiers: Eye disorders, Drug use, Sleep disorders, Implants, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

400 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how training the senses can improve task performance, a process known as perceptual learning. It will also examine brain signals to understand their relationship to these changes. Suitable candidates for this trial include individuals with normal vision, either naturally or with glasses or contacts, and without any eye disorders or sleep issues.

As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to contribute to scientific understanding and potentially enhance cognitive performance.

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about psychophysical training for skill acquisition because it offers a novel approach to enhancing motor skills and cognitive abilities without relying on drugs or invasive procedures. Unlike traditional methods that may require medication or extensive physical therapy, this technique leverages the body's natural ability to adapt and learn through carefully designed exercises and mental training. This could potentially lead to faster skill development and improved performance in various activities, making it an appealing option for individuals seeking to enhance their abilities in a more holistic and less intrusive way.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals aged 18-60 with normal or corrected-to-normal vision. It's not suitable for those with magnetic or mechanical implants, brain vessel clips, IUDs, dentures, pregnant women, people with eye disorders like cataracts or glaucoma, drug users affecting cognition and motor skills, or those with sleep disorders.

Inclusion Criteria

My vision is normal or corrected to normal.

Exclusion Criteria

Magnetically or mechanically activated implants (such as cardiac pacemakers)

Clips on blood vessels in the brain

Intrauterine devices

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Participants undergo visual perceptual learning using artificial stimuli such as Gabor patches and natural scenes

2 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in visual task performance and neuroimaging signals after training

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Trial Overview The study examines how training our perception affects performance and identifies links between these changes and brain signals. Participants will undergo perceptual learning tasks while their neuroimaging signals are recorded.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Brown University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

480

Recruited

724,000+

National Eye Institute (NEI)

Collaborator

Trials

572

Recruited

1,320,000+