Actively Recruiting
The Use of Combined Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Cognitive Training to Modulate Decision-making in Healthy People
Led by Dr. Najat Khalifa · Updated on 2025-08-08
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
D
Dr. Najat Khalifa
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Nottingham
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to study the effects of combining anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with cognitive training on decision-making and motor impulsivity in healthy adults aged 18 to 40. The study explores whether this combination leads to better decision-making on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and improved impulse control compared to a sham tDCS with cognitive training. The trial addresses gaps in understanding how brain stimulation and training influence decision-making under risk and if these effects apply to motor impulsivity. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving active anodal tDCS combined with cognitive training using the Iowa Gambling Task, and the other receiving sham tDCS with the same cognitive training. The active tDCS involves a 2mA current applied over the anterior frontal cortex, including the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, for 20 minutes during the task. Sham stimulation mimics the procedure but only delivers current briefly at the start. Both groups complete the cognitive training during these sessions. During the study, participants' decision-making will be assessed by changes in the IGT scores before and after the combined treatment. Motor impulsivity will be measured using the Stop Signal Task, and impulsive behavior traits will be evaluated with the UPPS+P scale. Mood states are also monitored before and after stimulation. The trial is single-blind and includes healthy volunteers, with all assessments conducted to evaluate changes in behavior and cognition after the intervention.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Combined Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Cognitive Training and Decision-making
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Consenting volunteers aged between 18 and 40
You will not qualify if you...
- History of epilepsy or other neurological conditions
- History of significant head injury
- History of substance misuse
- Major mental disorder
- Currently receiving psychotropic medication
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single session of 20 minutes
Participants receive combined anodal or sham transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) along with cognitive training using the Iowa Gambling Task. tDCS sessions last 20 minutes each and are performed while completing the cognitive training task.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Queen's University
Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L7X3
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Najat Khalifa, MD, FRCPC
T
Tariq Hassan, FRCPSC
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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