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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04787406

Motor Learning and tDCS in Parkinson's Disease

The present study sought to examine the efficacy of single session transcranial direct current stimulation applied over the primary motor cortex in people with Parkinson's disease on sequential motor learning performance.

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Key information

Conditions

Parkinson Disease Basal Ganglia Diseases Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Movement Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Parkinsonian Disorders Synucleinopathies

Age range

40 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hong Kong, Hung Hom

About this study

Parkinson's disease is characterised by deficits of motor control triggered by impaired basal ganglia function, such as bradykinesia and tremor. Beyond the visibly recognisable motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, the ability to learn a sequence of movements is also compromised and poses a significant barrier to effective rehabilitation. In healthy individuals, transcranial direct current stimulation applied over the primary motor cortex during motor task practice has been shown to significantly improve motor learning compared to placebo conditions. The present study sought to examine the effect of a single session of transcranial direct current stimulation applied over the primary motor cortex in people with Parkinson's disease on sequential motor learning performance. Participants learnt two finger tapping sequences, with task difficulty indexed by sequence length, and task consolidation further examined using a dual-task paradigm. Task related cortical haemodynamic activity was recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Right-handed (Edinburgh Handedness Inventory; ≥50)
  • Cognitively capable (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); ≥23)
  • Mild to moderate Parkinson's disease severity (Hoehn and Yar disease stage 2-3)

Exclusion criteria

  • History of stroke
  • Comorbidity
  • Cephalic implants

Treatment and study plan

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Device

Transcranial electrical stimulation device. A weak direct electrical current, up to 2 mA, is passed between two electrodes placed on the scalp. Electrodes are housed in 35 cm2 sponges saturated with 4 ml of saline solution (0.9 % NaCl) per side, per pad.

Stimulation is phased in with a 30 second ramp up period prior to the specified stimulation period and phased-out with a ramp down of the current following the specified stimulation period. For sham stimulation, the ramp-up and ramp-down periods are retained, but stimulation is switched off for during the specified stimulation period.

Other names: tDCS

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline sequential finger tapping performance

    Time frame: Two assessments: Baseline / pre-intervention, and immediately post-intervention

    A skill index reflecting the accuracy and speed of which participants perform a specified finger tapping sequence.

  2. Change from baseline oxygenated haemoglobin response

    Time frame: Two assessments: Baseline / pre-intervention, and immediately post-intervention

    Task related changes of oxygenated haemoglobin as measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

  3. Change from baseline shape-counting error

    Time frame: Two assessments: Baseline / pre-intervention, and immediately post-intervention

    The percentage of shape counting error during dual task assessments. Sequential finger tapping + visual shape counting task.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Single Session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Sequential Motor Learning in Parkinson's Disease

Important dates

Study start
2019
Primary completion
2019
Study completion
2019
First posted
Mar 8, 2021
Registry last updated
Aug 26, 2021

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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