NCT04218383

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Impulsivity and Food-related Impulsivity in Obesity

Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Applied Over the Orbitofrontal Cortex on Impulsivity and Decision Making in Obese Subjects

• Status: Suspended
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Calgary · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

In this study the investigators aim to assess whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; a safe non-invasive method for modulating the activity of specific brain regions) when applied over the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is able to modulate impulsivity in obese participants.

Detailed description

In this single-blind, sham controlled study, the investigators will assess whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; a safe non-invasive method for modulating the activity of specific brain regions) when applied over the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is able to modulate impulsivity in obese volunteers. The investigators hypothesize that tDCS applied to the OFC, in comparison to sham tDCS, will significantly reduce impulsivity and enhance decision making as measured by computerized neurocognitive tasks. For this study the investigators will enroll 30 obese individuals aged 18-65 years. Participants will be assessed with a battery of computerized tasks as well as self-reported questionnaires on eating, impulsivity, mood and anxiety. Assessments will be carried out before, during, and after a single 20-minute 2mA tDCS session.

Conditions

• Impulsive Behavior

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation	Anode placed over the OFC and cathode placed over the right primary motor cortex.

Timeline

• Start date: 2020-02-03
• Primary completion: 2022-04-30
• Completion: 2022-11-01
• First posted: 2020-01-06
• Last updated: 2021-01-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated device study