Actively Recruiting
Effect of Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation on the Performance in Language Tasks
Led by Adrian Guggisberg · Updated on 2026-04-28
90
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Language plays a crucial role in daily life by helping us communicate, understand others, read, and learn. Certain brain injuries can disrupt language abilities, and current treatments do not always lead to full recovery. This research evaluates a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), which applies a weak electrical current to the scalp to influence brain regions involved in language. This method is commonly used in research and considered safe when following current guidelines. The study involves healthy adult volunteers who will participate in two sessions about a week apart. One session will include active stimulation with tRNS, and the other will use placebo (sham) stimulation, which mimics the sensation but has no active effect. Neither participants nor researchers will know which type of stimulation is given during each session. Participants will perform language tasks while their brain activity is recorded using a painless electroencephalogram (EEG). Participants will be monitored for temporary sensations like tingling on the scalp during stimulation. The study does not offer direct benefits but aims to better understand brain language processing. Outcomes measured include phonological, semantic, morphosyntactic processing, reading speed, sustained attention, and a composite score. The study is expected to contribute to future rehabilitation approaches and runs until December 2027.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation on the Performance in Language Tasks
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 35 years or between 60 and 90 years
- Native French speakers
- Right-handed individuals
- Willing and able to provide informed consent
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing
You will not qualify if you...
- History of neurological or psychiatric disease
- Regular use of benzodiazepines, neuroleptics, or psychoactive drugs
- Major language deficits, developmental language disorders, or mechanical language impairments
- Inability to understand or follow study procedures
- Contraindications to brain stimulation including history of epilepsy or severe migraine
- Presence of pacemaker or other active implants
- Metallic objects in the head
- Skull breach such as craniotomy
- Pregnancy
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 per intervention with crossover design
Participants receive transcranial random noise stimulation or sham stimulation in randomized order to assess their performance in language tasks.
2 visits (in-person) for active and sham stimulation sessions
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Division of Neurorehabilitation, University Hospital of Geneva
Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland, 1211
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Adrian Guggisberg, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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