NCT07168031 tDCS of the Left dlPFC: Effects on Information Processing
| NCT ID | NCT07168031 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of Bern |
| Condition | Healthy |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 196 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-08-06 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-08 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 196 participants in total. It began in 2025-08-06 with a primary completion date of 2027-08.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
This study investigates how a non-invasive form of brain stimulation, called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), affects brain activity and information processing in younger and older adults. The stimulation uses a very weak electrical current applied through electrodes placed on the scalp. This method is safe and widely used in research to study brain function. Participants will complete computer-based tasks while receiving either active brain stimulation or a placebo (sham) stimulation. The task is designed to engage specific mental processes so that the investigators can study how the brain responds under different conditions. Brain activity will be measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), both while participants perform the tasks and while they are resting. The study will compare healthy younger (ages 20-40) and older (ages 60-80) adults to explore whether age influences how the brain responds to stimulation. By examining patterns of brain activation and connectivity, the investigators aim to better understand how tDCS can modulate cognitive processing across the adult lifespan. The hypothesis is that applying tDCS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex will change patterns of brain activity related to cognitive processing, and that these changes may differ between younger and older adults. This knowledge could help inform future research into brain stimulation techniques in different age groups.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy younger adults (ages 20-40) or healthy older adults (ages 60-80) * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing * Right-handed (for consistency in brain stimulation) * Able to give written informed consent and comply with study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * History of neurological or psychiatric disorders * Current use of medications that affect the central nervous system * Metal implants, pacemakers, or other contraindications for MRI or tDCS * History of seizures or epilepsy * Pregnancy * Participation in another brain stimulation study within the last 3 months * Any condition judged by investigators to interfere with safe participation
Contact & Investigator
Jessica Peter, Prof.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
UniversityClinics, University of Bern
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07168031 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 20 Years or older, up to 80 Years, studying Healthy. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07168031 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07168031 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at sarah.godehardt@unibe.ch for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07168031 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Bern, Switzerland.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07168031 clinical trial?
NCT07168031 is sponsored by University of Bern. The principal investigator is Jessica Peter, Prof. at UniversityClinics, University of Bern. The trial plans to enroll 196 participants.