Improving Thinking and Quality of Life in Adults with Psychosis Using Brain Stimulation and Yoga

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of combining active anodal transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS with yoga to improve cognitive function, clinical symptoms, and quality of life in adults with psychosis. The study also aims to understand the brain changes behind these effects. This research involves adults aged 18 to 65 with psychosis or related disorders who meet specific clinical criteria. Participants will be assigned randomly to one of three groups active tDCS with yoga, sham tDCS with yoga, or a waitlist control. The active tDCS uses a wearable device delivering 1.2 mA of stimulation for 20 minutes targeting brain regions involved in cognition. Yoga sessions last one hour and include breathing exercises, postures, relaxation, and feedback. Participants are encouraged to practice yoga at home using video clips and keep a logbook. The intervention lasts six weeks. Throughout the study, participants undergo cognitive tests, symptom assessments, and quality of life evaluations at baseline, after the six-week intervention or waiting period, and at three months follow-up. Brain activity is measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy fNIRS at baseline and after six weeks. Researchers also track attendance, home practice frequency, and physical measures such as body mass index and balance. The total study duration for each participant is about three months after the intervention period.

The Effect of Combined Brain Stimulation and Yoga for Improving Cognitive Function in Psychosis