At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison RecordStandardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
Enhancing Locomotor Learning With Motor Imagery and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Motor Imagery (MI), Active tDCS, and 1 other intervention for Motor Learning. Completed, enrolled 38 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The primary goal of this research was to assess the practicality and initial effectiveness of a motor imagery (MI) intervention combined with elements of action observation (AO), alongside active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the prefrontal cortex (PFC), on locomotor learning in healthy adults. Feasibility was determined by examining recruitment rates, participant engagement, and safety measures. The efficacy of the intervention was gauged by analyzing the time taken to complete tasks and changes in cerebral blood flow immediately after the intervention and one week later. The study was guided by three main hypotheses: (1) the intervention techniques would be well-received and safe for the participants; (2) compared to a control group, MI training would lead to better learning outcomes and retention of learning; (3) in comparison to the control and sham tDCS groups, active tDCS would result in superior learning outcomes and retention of learning.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Participants watched a standardized video sequence that consisted of an individual completing twenty walking trials (twenty video clips-each clip represents one trial). Participants were instructed to place their focus intently on the person performing the obstacle course and try to imagine themselves doing the skill. Periodically, a reminder would appear to help focus and redirect participant's attention to different aspects of the video or different versions of imagery (visual or kinesthetic). Participants will watch the video first at normal play speed and then in slow motion after a short break (30 secs to 1 min). Total training time will be approximately 20 mins which is consistent with the duration of the locomotor intervention and duration of stimulation.
The participants received a 20-minute "active" session of tDCS at a 2-milliamp current.
The participants received a 20-minute session of "sham" tDCS.