AzTrials
AzTrials

DysphagiaNCT04040803

tACS and tRNS Studies on Brain Control of Swallowing

A study testing Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) in people with Dysphagia and Swallowing Disorder, run by University of Manchester at 1 site in United Kingdom.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) are two (CE marked medical devices) new, non-invasive (over the scalp) brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Dysphagia, Swallowing Disorder
What is being tested?
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
17 participants
Where
1 siteUnited Kingdom
Study dates
3 May 2019to 18 Mar 2020
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Healthy adults who are aged 18 years old or above with no medical complications or significant past medical history

Who cannot join

  • a history of epilepsy
  • cardiac pacemaker
  • previous brain surgery
  • previous swallowing problems
  • risk of potential pregnancy
  • metal in the head or eyes
  • use of medication that acts on the central nervous system.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United Kingdom1 site
  • Upper G.I laboratory, Salford Royal Hospital

    Manchester, Greater Manchester, M6 8HD

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

Official title: Characterizing the Application of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation and Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation Over Human Pharyngeal Motor Cortex

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) are two (CE marked medical devices) new, non-invasive (over the scalp) brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques. Both tACS and tRNS deliver a weak current continuously across the brain using pads placed over the scalp, which has been shown safe and well-tolerated by healthy adults and patients. These two techniques are able to softly alter physiological function within the brain. tACS can influence the brainwaves which have been demonstrated to play important roles in movement, sensation, and thinking functions. tACS and tRNS have been investigated for several years and have been shown to be safe, well tolerated and produce beneficial results in hand movement, hearing, and working memory.

Swallowing problems are life-threatening symptom among patients with brain impairments and elderly people. Until now, there are no studies investigating whether tACS and tRNS can have a beneficial effect on swallowing function in human. Our aim is to examine the effects of different strengths of tACS and tRNS to determine the best approach for brain stimulation that controls swallowing action, before using these techniques in patients with (neurological) swallowing disorders.

Participants: Healthy adults who are aged 18 years old or above with no medical complications or significant past medical history will be recruited in the study.

Being tested
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)
Keywords
transcranial alternating current stimulation, transcranial random noise stimulation, frequency, full spectrum
Medical subject headings
Deglutition Disorders

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)Device

    Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) are two (CE marked medical devices) new, non-invasive (over the scalp) brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques. Both tACS and tRNS deliver a weak current continuously across the brain using pads placed over the scalp, which has been shown safe and well-tolerated by healthy adults and patients. These two techniques are able to softly alter physiological function within the brain. tACS can influence the brainwaves which have been demonstrated to play important roles in movement, sensation, and thinking functions. tACS and tRNS have been investigated for several years and have been shown to be safe, well tolerated and produce beneficial results in hand movement, hearing, and working memory.

Study groups in NCT04040803
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
10 Hz tACSExperimentalStimulation will be applied at 10 Hz tACS with an intensity of 1.5 mA (peak to peak), a fade in/out of 10 s and a duration of 10min. 10 Hz tACS will be performed over the pharyngeal cortex region and contralateral supraorbital region.
Receives: Device: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)
20 Hz tACSExperimentalStimulation will be applied at 20 Hz tACS with an intensity of 1.5 mA (peak to peak), a fade in/out of 10 s and a duration of 10min. 20 Hz tACS will be performed over the pharyngeal cortex region and contralateral supraorbital region.
Receives: Device: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)
70Hz tACSExperimentalStimulation will be applied at 70 Hz tACS with an intensity of 1.5 mA (peak to peak), a fade in/out of 10 s and a duration of 10min. 70 Hz tACS will be performed over the pharyngeal cortex region and contralateral supraorbital region.
Receives: Device: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)
0.1-640Hz tRNSExperimentalStimulation will be applied at 0.1-640Hz tRNS with an intensity of 1.5 mA (peak to peak), a fade in/out of 10 s and a duration of 10min. 0.1-640Hz tRNS will be performed over the pharyngeal cortex region and contralateral supraorbital region.
Receives: Device: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)
ShamSham comparatorStimulation will be performed only for 10 s before the fade out, with 20 Hz tACS and an intensity of 1.5 mA (peak to peak). Sham condition will be applied over pseudo-stimulation of pharyngeal cortex region and contralateral supraorbital region.
Receives: Device: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Changes of pharyngeal motor evoked potential amplitudes (PMEPs)

    Cortical excitability of the pharyngeal motor cortices are being assessed as the primary endpoints. Therefore, the changes in EMG pharyngeal motor evoked potential amplitudes (PMEPs) following the intervention applied to pharyngeal motor cortex are being collected.

    Measured: These cortical excitability measurements will be recorded at baseline, followed by immediately after intervention, then every 15 minutes up to 120 minutes afterwards.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted1 Aug 2019
  2. Study start3 May 2019
  3. Primary completion15 Nov 2019
  4. Study completion18 Mar 2020

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Model description
All people studied will have each of the five treatments separately over different days in random order.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
17 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04040803
Sponsor's protocol ID
2019-5932-10164
Status last verified
Mar 2020
First submitted
25 Apr 2019
Last updated
30 Mar 2020
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: The Gastrointestinal Sciences research team at the University of Manchester will have access to participants' identifiable information, but it will be anonymized as soon as participants are enrolled in this study. Representatives from the University of Manchester and regulatory authorities will have access to the anonymised data if required for auditing and monitoring process. However, participants' anonymised consent form, contact details, and data collected for this study will be retained for 5 years.

Publications

  • Antal A, Herrmann CS. Transcranial Alternating Current and Random Noise Stimulation: Possible Mechanisms. Neural Plast. 2016;2016:3616807. doi: 10.1155/2016/3616807. Epub 2016 May 3.

    PubMed 27242932
  • Antal A, Alekseichuk I, Bikson M, Brockmoller J, Brunoni AR, Chen R, Cohen LG, Dowthwaite G, Ellrich J, Floel A, Fregni F, George MS, Hamilton R, Haueisen J, Herrmann CS, Hummel FC, Lefaucheur JP, Liebetanz D, Loo CK, McCaig CD, Miniussi C, Miranda PC, Moliadze V, Nitsche MA, Nowak R, Padberg F, Pascual-Leone A, Poppendieck W, Priori A, Rossi S, Rossini PM, Rothwell J, Rueger MA, Ruffini G, Schellhorn K, Siebner HR, Ugawa Y, Wexler A, Ziemann U, Hallett M, Paulus W. Low intensity transcranial electric stimulation: Safety, ethical, legal regulatory and application guidelines. Clin Neurophysiol. 2017 Sep;128(9):1774-1809. doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2017.06.001. Epub 2017 Jun 19.

    PubMed 28709880
  • Herrmann CS, Munk MH, Engel AK. Cognitive functions of gamma-band activity: memory match and utilization. Trends Cogn Sci. 2004 Aug;8(8):347-55. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2004.06.006.

    PubMed 15335461
  • Engel AK, Fries P, Singer W. Dynamic predictions: oscillations and synchrony in top-down processing. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2001 Oct;2(10):704-16. doi: 10.1038/35094565.

    PubMed 11584308
  • Pollok B, Boysen AC, Krause V. The effect of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at alpha and beta frequency on motor learning. Behav Brain Res. 2015 Oct 15;293:234-40. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.07.049. Epub 2015 Jul 28.

    PubMed 26225845
  • Wach C, Krause V, Moliadze V, Paulus W, Schnitzler A, Pollok B. Effects of 10 Hz and 20 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on motor functions and motor cortical excitability. Behav Brain Res. 2013 Mar 15;241:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.11.038. Epub 2012 Dec 3.

    PubMed 23219965
  • Jausovec N, Jausovec K. Increasing working memory capacity with theta transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). Biol Psychol. 2014 Feb;96:42-7. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.11.006. Epub 2013 Nov 27.

    PubMed 24291565
  • Riecke L, Formisano E, Herrmann CS, Sack AT. 4-Hz Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Phase Modulates Hearing. Brain Stimul. 2015 Jul-Aug;8(4):777-83. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.04.004. Epub 2015 Apr 24.

    PubMed 25981160
  • Clave P, Shaker R. Dysphagia: current reality and scope of the problem. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015 May;12(5):259-70. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2015.49. Epub 2015 Apr 7.

    PubMed 25850008
  • Jefferson S, Mistry S, Singh S, Rothwell J, Hamdy S. Characterizing the application of transcranial direct current stimulation in human pharyngeal motor cortex. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2009 Dec;297(6):G1035-40. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00294.2009. Epub 2009 Oct 8.

    PubMed 19815630
  • Moliadze V, Atalay D, Antal A, Paulus W. Close to threshold transcranial electrical stimulation preferentially activates inhibitory networks before switching to excitation with higher intensities. Brain Stimul. 2012 Oct;5(4):505-11. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2011.11.004. Epub 2012 Feb 22.

    PubMed 22445135
  • Uhlhaas PJ, Singer W. Abnormal neural oscillations and synchrony in schizophrenia. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2010 Feb;11(2):100-13. doi: 10.1038/nrn2774.

    PubMed 20087360
  • Moisa M, Polania R, Grueschow M, Ruff CC. Brain Network Mechanisms Underlying Motor Enhancement by Transcranial Entrainment of Gamma Oscillations. J Neurosci. 2016 Nov 23;36(47):12053-12065. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2044-16.2016.

    PubMed 27881788
  • Fertonani A, Pirulli C, Miniussi C. Random noise stimulation improves neuroplasticity in perceptual learning. J Neurosci. 2011 Oct 26;31(43):15416-23. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2002-11.2011.

    PubMed 22031888
  • Rjosk V, Kaminski E, Hoff M, Gundlach C, Villringer A, Sehm B, Ragert P. Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation at Beta Frequency: Lack of Immediate Effects on Excitation and Interhemispheric Inhibition of the Human Motor Cortex. Front Hum Neurosci. 2016 Nov 3;10:560. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00560. eCollection 2016.

    PubMed 27857687

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) in people with Dysphagia and Swallowing Disorder, run by University of Manchester at 1 site in United Kingdom.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Mar 2020. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Changes of pharyngeal motor evoked potential amplitudes (PMEPs) (time frame: These cortical excitability measurements will be recorded at baseline, followed by immediately after intervention, then every 15 minutes up to 120 minutes afterwards.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04040803, which also lists 16 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Mar 2020.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in