Modulation of Motor Learning Via tDCS in a Dexterous Video Game Task

NCT07202702 | Recruiting FDA Device

• 1 other identifier: 26243
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 52
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether "transcranial direct current stimulation" (tDCS) is effective in enhancing learning of complex motor tasks of precision and accuracy that require the simultaneous coordination of both hands. The study will utilize a between-subjects, SHAM controlled design. Subjects will be randomly selected to receive either SHAM (n=26) or a-tDCS (n=26) stimulation and will be blinded to their condition throughout testing. Subjects will complete a total of two testing sessions, separated by \~24 hours. Both sessions will have the subject play the videogame "Guitar Hero", with a single song done for several trials as pre- and post-assessments. The first session will contain a 20-minute practice/stimulation block where subjects practice the guitar task while receiving either "active" or "inactive" stimulation of the motor cortex. The first session will last approximately 75 to 90 minutes whereas the second session will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Conditions

Motor Activity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Improvement in a video game

  To determine whether a-tDCS influences motor skill acquisition of a dexterous video game task by measuring the outcome of videogame performance (number of notes played) with and without a-tDCS

  1 year

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Retention and Learning

  1 Year

Study Arms (2)

tDCS

EXPERIMENTAL

This group will receive 20 minutes of 1 mA tDCS stimulation to the motor cortex while playing the videogame.

Device: tDCS

SHAM

PLACEBO COMPARATOR

This group will receive 30 seconds of 1 mA tDCS stimulation to the motor cortex and then it will shut off, effectively serving as a control, while subjects play the videogame for 20 minutes

Device: tDCS

Interventions

tDCS DEVICE

Applying tDCS to determine if it facilitates learning of a video game task

SHAM; tDCS

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Between ages 18 and 45 years old (to avoid any changes in the developing brain, or with aging).
• Answer 'no' to questions 2 through 16 on the tDCS checklist as these factors can increase likelihood of adverse events with tDCS
• No neurological damage, disease, or dysfunction (nerve damage, chronic pain disorders, diabetic neuropathy) that affect the upper limbs.
• No significant acute or chronic medical, neurologic, or illness in the patient that, in the judgment of the Principal Investigator, could compromise subject safety, limit the ability to complete the study, and/or compromise the objectives of the study

You may not qualify if:

• Currently prescribed and taking stimulant medication (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc.)
• Consumption of over-the-counter stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine (coffee, soda, supplements, energy drinks, tobacco products, or other nicotine containing products such as gum, vape pens, etc...) 12 hours prior to entering the lab on the day of testing as this can directly affect cortical excitability. If a subject takes any of these substances 12 hours prior to session 1 they will be asked to reschedule for a later date.
• Have played a real stringed instrument in the last 12 months (e.g. guitar, bass, violin)
• Have played the videogame "Guitar Hero" on a traditional guitar controller in the last 12 months.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Indiana University: lead

Study Sites (1)

National Institute for Fitness and Sport

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity

Interventions

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Electric Stimulation Therapy; Therapeutics; Convulsive Therapy; Psychiatric Somatic Therapies; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities; Electroshock; Psychological Techniques

Study Officials

• Zachary Riley

  Indiana University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Zachary Riley, PhD

CONTACT

7652151487; zariley@iu.edu

Eme Duchow

CONTACT

7652151487; eeduchow@iu.edu

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Masking Details: The subjects should not know which group they are in with the SHAM protocol
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Model Details: experimental and control groups

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 18, 2025
• First Posted: October 2, 2025
• Study Start: March 3, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): March 3, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 3, 2027
• Last Updated: March 30, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)