NCT04742439

Brief Summary

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive method of modulating brain activity and has therapeutic potential in many neurological and psychiatric conditions. However, unlike every current FDA-approved form of brain stimulation, there is no method of individualizing stimulation dose. In this study, a method of individualizing tDCS dose on behavioral outcomes and whether this could help to improve the consistency and magnitude of the stimulation effects will be tested.

Trial Health

30
At Risk

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Trial has exceeded expected completion date
Timeline
Completed

Started Dec 2024

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
withdrawn

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

February 2, 2021

Completed
6 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

February 8, 2021

Completed
3.8 years until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

December 2, 2024

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

December 2, 2024

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

December 2, 2024

Completed
Last Updated

November 6, 2025

Status Verified

November 1, 2025

Enrollment Period

Same day

First QC Date

February 2, 2021

Last Update Submit

November 4, 2025

Conditions

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

  • Change in Motor Evoked Potential Variance

    MEP variance is measured by single pulses of transcranial magnetic stimulation and contralateral hand electrodes.

    Baseline and post-stimulation (20 minutes apart)

  • Difference in Motor Evoked Potential Amplitudes from 4mA and 2mA Stimulation

    MEP amplitude is measured by single pulses of transcranial magnetic stimulation and contralateral hand electrodes.

    Baseline and post-stimulation (20 minutes apart)

Study Arms (4)

Sham stimulation

SHAM COMPARATOR
Device: Sham transcranial direct current stimulation

Individualized stimulation

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: Individualized transcranial direct current stimulation

2mA stimulation

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: 2mA transcranial direct current stimulation

4mA stimulation

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: 4mA transcranial direct current stimulation

Interventions

Participants will receive 30 seconds of ramp up and down stimulation at the start and end of the 20 minute stimulation period.

Sham stimulation

Participants will receive 20 minutes of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at the individualized dose (maximum of 4mA).

Individualized stimulation

Participants will receive 20 minutes of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at a 2mA dose.

2mA stimulation

Participants will receive 20 minutes of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at a 4mA dose.

4mA stimulation

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 80 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Healthy volunteers or chronic stroke participants (at least 6 months prior to the study)
  • No history of epilepsy
  • No metal in the body
  • No contraindications for TMS or MRI scanning
  • Right handed
  • Ability to find motor hotspot and acquire motor evoked potentials

You may not qualify if:

  • Metal in the body
  • History of epilepsy or claustrophobia
  • Alcohol or substance abuse or dependence
  • Current treatment for any psychiatric conditions (pharmacological or otherwise)
  • Pregnant or actively breastfeeding

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

Location

Study Officials

  • Mark S George, MD

    Medical University of South Carolina

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
0

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
TRIPLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, INVESTIGATOR
Purpose
BASIC SCIENCE
Intervention Model
CROSSOVER
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Research Assistant Professor-Faculty

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

February 2, 2021

First Posted

February 8, 2021

Study Start

December 2, 2024

Primary Completion

December 2, 2024

Study Completion

December 2, 2024

Last Updated

November 6, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-11

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Locations