Mild Cognitive ImpairmentNCT05050812
The Grounded Brain: How Sleeping Grounded Affects Memory and Perceptions
A study testing grounding mat in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Chronic Inflammation, run by California Institute of Integral Studies.
Trial summary
Grounding (Earthing) refers to the practice of contacting the Earth or a properly installed grounding mat with the body. Previous studies on grounding have shown positive effects body-wide inflammation, acute and chronic pain, and immune system response. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 55 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Mild Cognitive Impairment, Chronic Inflammation
- What is being tested?
- grounding mat
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 8 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- Sep 2021to Dec 2021
- 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 55 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- All approved participants must
- Be at least 55 years of age; all genders and ethnicities;
- Have English as their primary language or be able to speak, read, and write English fluently; As this is a vulnerable population, this investigator must be able to evaluate understanding and cannot reliably do that with someone who is not fluent in English;
- Have a current diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease made by a medical doctor;
- Be able to spend at least 6 hours per 24-hour period sleeping or resting on the grounded mat;
- Be able to legally consent to participating in this study;
Show all 11Show fewer
- Agree to allow the researcher to come into their home to setup the equipment and administer the tests;
- Be able to see well enough to use a laptop to complete electronic testing;
- Be alert and oriented X 4 based on initial verbal screening and in-person visits;
- Reside in or around the Greater Austin, Texas, area/Central Texas area;
- Sleep in a dwelling that is grounded.
Who cannot join
- All approved participants must
- Not have a diagnosis or conversion to AD or any other type of memory disorder before or during the study period including but not limited to dementia, Lewy body disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, vascular cognitive impairment, frontotemporal dementias, primary progressive aphasia, autoimmune encephalopathy, and normal pressure hydrocephalus;
- Not have a diagnosis of stable MCI;
- Not have any prior diagnosis of traumatic brain injury;
- Not have any history of grounding consistently for more than 60 minutes/day in the past year. This includes natural methods and the use of any grounding devices;
- Not have any in-the-moment assessment that leads the investigator to believe that the participant is not fully aware or does not understand what is being asked of them. Again, this is a vulnerable population, and I will exclude or cut any participant who shows signs of confusion;
Show all 15Show fewer
- Not be taking or have taken in the previous 30 days any of the following medications:
- daily anti-inflammatories, prescription or over the counter;
- blood pressure medications (anti-hypertensives);
- blood thinners (anti-coagulants);
- glucose control medications; f. thyroid medications; g. anti-convulsive medications (no matter the diagnosis); h. any type of monoclonal antibody; i. any type of immunosuppressive, including steroids; j. any type of immunomodulator.
- Inability to answer the questions in the initial screening interview;
- Inability to follow instructions.
- A Note About Medications and Grounding:
- Earthing has been proven to reduce inflammation, thin the blood, lower blood pressure, lower and better regulate glucose levels, and improve thyroid function. While all those things are generally sought after, there could be dire consequences if a participant is on a medication to correct any of those conditions, so in the interest of safety, exclusion based on certain medications is necessary. In that same vein, if any participant must begin a medication during the study period, that participant will be disqualified in the interest of safety.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet.
About this study
Official title: The Grounded Brain: How Sleeping Grounded (Earthing) Affects Cognition and Personal Perceptions in Participants With Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease (MCI/AD)
Grounding (Earthing) refers to the practice of contacting the Earth or a properly installed grounding mat with the body. Previous studies on grounding have shown positive effects body-wide inflammation, acute and chronic pain, and immune system response. Prior studies on the inflammatory process of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and some other dementias have shown connections between immune system dysregulation, inflammatory markers, and severe disease progression. Finding ways to mitigate or turn off the inflammatory response is key to treating mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of sleeping grounded on cognition and personal perceptions in participants with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease as evidenced by a battery of assessments using Cogstate's Cognitive Brief Battery and a qualitative questionnaire. We hypothesize that assessment scores will improve with grounding and that perceptions will positively correlate with an increase in scores. Modulation of risk factors like glucocorticoid resistance, SCI, and immune system dysfunction through grounding may lead to an accessible, natural technique for neurodegenerative disease prevention or treatment.
Read the detailed description
Grounding (Earthing) refers to the practice of contacting the Earth or a properly installed grounding mat with the body. Previous studies on grounding have shown positive effects on diurnal cortisol regulation, systemic chronic inflammation (SCI), immune system response, acute and chronic pain, mood, vagal tone, blood viscosity, blood flow, recovery from muscle strain and damage, and prevention or mitigation of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Prior studies on the inflammatory process of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and some other dementias have shown connections between immune system dysregulation, inflammatory markers, and severe disease progression. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of sleeping grounded on cognition and personal perceptions in participants with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI/AD) as evidenced by a battery of tests using the Cogstate platform's Cognitive Brief Battery (CBB) and a qualitative questionnaire to detect any correlations to the participant's perceptions of sleep quality, mood, pain, and overall well-being.
This study will both fulfill the requirement for a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and lay the foundation for further research into grounding and neurodegenerative diseases. My senior research project methodology is a mixed methods research design with a triangulation convergence, since I'll be concurrently collecting, analyzing, and evaluating the results of the quantitative and qualitative measurements before comparing, integrating, and interpreting the outcomes.
I have three hypotheses. First, I hypothesize that sleeping while grounded will result in improved scores on the Cogstate battery of tests given at baseline and weekly for three weeks. Second, I hypothesize that sleeping while grounded will result in positive perceptions regarding sleep quality, mood, pain, and overall well-being. Finally, I hypothesize that improved Cogstate scores will positively correlate with perceptions of sleep quality, mood, and overall well-being and negatively correlate with pain. The independent variable is the intervention (grounded sleeping mat), and the dependent variables are the three measurements of cognition (memory, working memory, and processing speed) and the qualitative questionnaire to evaluate how the participants feel about their sleep quality, mood, pain, and overall well-being.
The target population for this study will be adults aged 55 and up (N=8) with a current diagnosis of MCI/AD who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. I will employ a mixed methods research design that includes statistical analysis of empirical data and a qualitative questionnaire. I will use a triangulation convergence, since I'll be concurrently collecting, analyzing, and evaluating the results of the quantitative and qualitative measurements before comparing, integrating, and interpreting the outcomes. First, I will look at the percentage of change in each testing area from week to week and calculate the statistical significance (p < .01) of any changes. Second, I will calculate the mean of all the test scores per day (baseline and weekly X 3) to obtain a general cognition score which I will also use to calculate statistical significance (p < .01) of changes over time. Third, I will perform a simple linear regression analysis to determine if a correlation exists between the intervention and the cognition scores after baseline. Finally, I will perform an analysis of the qualitative questionnaire using in vivo coding to determine if any correlations exist between the cognition scores and personal perceptions. For this study, I will interpret the results based on changes in test scores over time, changes in general cognition scores over time, and positive/negative correlations of the personal perceptions and cognition scores.
Each participant will receive an Earthing Elite™ sleep mat kit which they get to keep. The sleeping mat will be installed wherever the participant sleeps (bed or recliner), and I will ensure that the mat is properly attached to the grounding plug and confirm grounding using a multimeter with two terminal leads, a cord with alligator clips on both ends, an Earthing coil cord, and an outlet checker. This procedure will show body voltage prior to grounding and while grounding to confirm that the setup is working and that body voltage has been neutralized. I will return for repeat assessments after one week, two weeks, and three weeks at which time I will verify that the system is still working properly.
All computerized testing will consist of the following assessments on the Cogstate platform: 1) Detection test (psychomotor function); 2) Identification test (attention); 3) One Card Learning test (visual learning); and 4) One Back test (working memory). The personal perceptions qualitative questionnaire will consist of several open-ended and scaled questions designed to assess how the participants perceive various subjective areas such as sleep quality, pain, mood, and overall well-being. Each participant will complete the questionnaire first before completing the computerized cognition assessments.
Modulation of risk factors like glucocorticoid resistance, SCI, and immune system dysfunction through grounding may lead to an accessible, natural technique for neurodegenerative disease prevention or treatment.
- Conditions
- Mild Cognitive Impairment, Chronic Inflammation
- Being tested
- grounding mat
- Keywords
- Earthing, systemic chronic inflammation, grounding, SCI, immune system, sleep quality, mood, pain, well-being, mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, MCI, glucocorticoid resistance, neurodegenerative, Cogstate Cognitive Brief Battery, Cogstate CBB
- Medical subject headings
- Cognitive Dysfunction, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Pain, Glucocorticoid Receptor Deficiency
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
grounding matDevice
Also called Earthing mat
Participants will sleep on an Earthing Elite sleep mat produced and sold by Earthing.com
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Grounded | Experimental | All participants will sleep on a grounding mat for at least six hours per 24-hour period. Receives: Device: grounding mat |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Baseline Psychomotor Function Score
In this simple reaction time Detection test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up (revealing a Joker card - this same card is used throughout the test). The subject is asked to press the "YES" button as soon as the card turns face-up. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Baseline
Week 1 Psychomotor Function Score
In this simple reaction time Detection test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up (revealing a Joker card - this same card is used throughout the test). The subject is asked to press the "YES" button as soon as the card turns face-up. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 1
Week 2 Psychomotor Function Score
In this simple reaction time Detection test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up (revealing a Joker card - this same card is used throughout the test). The subject is asked to press the "YES" button as soon as the card turns face-up. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 2
Week 3 Psychomotor Function Score
In this simple reaction time Detection test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up (revealing a Joker card - this same card is used throughout the test). The subject is asked to press the "YES" button as soon as the card turns face-up. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 3
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Psychomotor Function Score
In this simple reaction time Detection test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up (revealing a Joker card - this same card is used throughout the test). The subject is asked to press the "YES" button as soon as the card turns face-up. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks. Change = (Week 3 Psychomotor Function Score - Baseline Psychomotor Function Score).
Measured: Change from baseline to week 3
Baseline Attention Score
In this choice reaction time Identification test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. Either a red Joker card or black Joker card will be revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject decides whether the card displayed is red. If the card is red, the subject should press the "YES" button, if it is not red, they should press "NO". Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Baseline
Week 1 Attention Score
In this choice reaction time Identification test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. Either a red Joker card or black Joker card will be revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject decides whether the card displayed is red. If the card is red, the subject should press the "YES" button, if it is not red, they should press "NO". Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 1
Week 2 Attention Score
In this choice reaction time Identification test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. Either a red Joker card or black Joker card will be revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject decides whether the card displayed is red. If the card is red, the subject should press the "YES" button, if it is not red, they should press "NO". Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 2
Week 3 Attention Score
In this choice reaction time Identification test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. Either a red Joker card or black Joker card will be revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject decides whether the card displayed is red. If the card is red, the subject should press the "YES" button, if it is not red, they should press "NO". Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 3
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Attention Score
In this choice reaction time Identification test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. Either a red Joker card or black Joker card will be revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject decides whether the card displayed is red. If the card is red, the subject should press the "YES" button, if it is not red, they should press "NO". Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks. Change = (Week 3 Attention Score - Baseline Attention Score).
Measured: Baseline to week 4
Baseline Visual Learning Score
In this pattern separation One Card Learning test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card has been seen before in the test. The subject should press the "YES" button if they have seen the card before in the test, or "NO" if they have not. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Baseline
Week 1 Visual Learning Score
In this pattern separation One Card Learning test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card has been seen before in the test. The subject should press the "YES" button if they have seen the card before in the test, or "NO" if they have not. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 1
Week 2 Visual Learning Score
In this pattern separation One Card Learning test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card has been seen before in the test. The subject should press the "YES" button if they have seen the card before in the test, or "NO" if they have not. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 2
Week 3 Visual Learning Score
In this pattern separation One Card Learning test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card has been seen before in the test. The subject should press the "YES" button if they have seen the card before in the test, or "NO" if they have not. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 3
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Visual Learning Score
In this pattern separation One Card Learning test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card has been seen before in the test. The subject should press the "YES" button if they have seen the card before in the test, or "NO" if they have not. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks. Change = (Week 3 Visual Learning Score - Baseline Visual Learning Score).
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Baseline Working Memory Score
In this N-back One Back test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card is the same as the previous card. The subject should press the "YES" button if the current card is the same as the one presented immediately before it, or "NO" if it is not the same. Assessed at baseline and weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Baseline
Week 1 Working Memory Score
In this N-back One Back test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card is the same as the previous card. The subject should press the "YES" button if the current card is the same as the one presented immediately before it, or "NO" if it is not the same. Assessed at baseline and weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 1
Week 2 Working Memory Score
In this N-back One Back test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card is the same as the previous card. The subject should press the "YES" button if the current card is the same as the one presented immediately before it, or "NO" if it is not the same. Assessed at baseline and weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 2
Week 3 Working Memory Score
In this N-back One Back test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card is the same as the previous card. The subject should press the "YES" button if the current card is the same as the one presented immediately before it, or "NO" if it is not the same. Assessed at baseline and weekly for three weeks.
Measured: Week 3
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Working Memory Score
In this N-back One Back test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card is the same as the previous card. The subject should press the "YES" button if the current card is the same as the one presented immediately before it, or "NO" if it is not the same. Assessed at baseline and weekly for three weeks. Change = (Week 3 Working Memory Score - Baseline Working Memory Score).
Measured: Baseline and Week 3
Baseline Sleep Quality Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about sleep quality while the second question about sleep quality is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst sleep quality) to 10 (best sleep quality).
Measured: Baseline
Week 1 Sleep Quality Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about sleep quality while the second question about sleep quality is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst sleep quality) to 10 (best sleep quality).
Measured: Week 1
Week 2 Sleep Quality Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about sleep quality while the second question about sleep quality is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst sleep quality) to 10 (best sleep quality).
Measured: Week 2
Week 3 Sleep Quality Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about sleep quality while the second question about sleep quality is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst sleep quality) to 10 (best sleep quality).
Measured: Week 3
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Sleep Quality Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about sleep quality while the second question about sleep quality is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst sleep quality) to 10 (best sleep quality). Change = (Week 3 Sleep Quality Score - Baseline Sleep Quality Score).
Measured: Week 3
Baseline Pain Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about pain while the second question about pain is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Measured: Baseline
Week 1 Pain Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about pain while the second question about pain is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Measured: Week 1
Week 2 Pain Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about pain while the second question about pain is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Measured: Week 2
Week 3 Pain Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about pain while the second question about pain is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Measured: Week 3
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Pain Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about pain while the second question about pain is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Baseline Mood Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about mood while the second question about mood is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst mood) to 10 (best mood).
Measured: Baseline
Week 1 Mood Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about mood while the second question about mood is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst mood) to 10 (best mood).
Measured: Week 1
Week 2 Mood Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about mood while the second question about mood is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst mood) to 10 (best mood).
Measured: Week 2
Week 3 Mood Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about mood while the second question about mood is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst mood) to 10 (best mood).
Measured: Week 3
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Mood Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about mood while the second question about mood is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst mood) to 10 (best mood).
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Baseline Overall Well-Being Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about overall well-being while the second question about overall well-being is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst overall well-being) to 10 (best overall well-being).
Measured: Baseline
Week 1 Overall Well-Being Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about overall well-being while the second question about overall well-being is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst overall well-being) to 10 (best overall well-being).
Measured: Week 1
Week 2 Overall Well-Being Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about overall well-being while the second question about overall well-being is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst overall well-being) to 10 (best overall well-being).
Measured: Week 2
Week 3 Overall Well-Being Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about overall well-being while the second question about overall well-being is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst overall well-being) to 10 (best overall well-being).
Measured: Week 3
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Overall Well-Being Score
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about overall well-being while the second question about overall well-being is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst overall well-being) to 10 (best overall well-being).
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Secondary outcomes (16)
Correlation of Change in Psychomotor Function Score and Sleep Quality Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Psychomotor Function Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Sleep Quality Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Psychomotor Function Score and Pain Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Psychomotor Function Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Pain Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Psychomotor Function Score and Mood Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Psychomotor Function Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Mood Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Psychomotor Function Score and Overall Well-Being Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Psychomotor Function Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Overall Well-Being Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Attention Score and Sleep Quality Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Attention Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Sleep Quality Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Attention Score and Pain Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Attention Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Pain Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Attention Score and Mood Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Attention Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Mood Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Attention Score and Overall Well-Being Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Attention Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Overall Well-Being Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Visual Learning Score and Sleep Quality Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Visual Learning Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Sleep Quality Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Visual Learning Score and Pain Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Visual Learning Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Pain Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Visual Learning Score and Mood Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Visual Learning Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Mood Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Visual Learning Score and Overall Well-Being Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Visual Learning Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Overall Well-Being Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Working Memory Score and Sleep Quality Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Working Memory Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Sleep Quality Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Working Memory Score and Pain Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Working Memory Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Pain Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Working Memory Score and Mood Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Working Memory Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Mood Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Working Memory Score and Overall Well-Being Score from Baseline to Week 3
Using simple regression to assess Baseline to Week 3 change in Working Memory Score and whether that change positively or negatively correlates to the Change from Baseline to Week 3 Overall Well-Being Score.
Measured: Baseline to Week 3
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Sep 2021
- Study startSep 2021 (estimated)
- Primary completionNov 2021 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2021 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (36)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Mild Cognitive ImpairmentStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- An interventional, single-group method that lacks random assignment and has no control group but does provide baseline and post-intervention testing.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 8 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- California Institute of Integral Studies
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Patrice F. Jones, California Institute of Integral Studies
- Investigators
- Patrice F Jones, CPC, Principal investigator, California Institute of Integral StudiesAnne Huffman, PhD, Study director, California Institute of Integral Studies
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05050812
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PFJ001
- Status last verified
- Sep 2021
- First submitted
- 10 Sep 2021
- Last updated
- 24 Sep 2021
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Bostrom G, Freyhult E, Virhammar J, Alcolea D, Tumani H, Otto M, Brundin RM, Kilander L, Lowenmark M, Giedraitis V, Lleo A, von Arnim CAF, Kultima K, Ingelsson M. Different Inflammatory Signatures in Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia Cerebrospinal Fluid. J Alzheimers Dis. 2021;81(2):629-640. doi: 10.3233/JAD-201565.
PubMed 33814444Brown D, Chevalier G, Hill M. Pilot study on the effect of grounding on delayed-onset muscle soreness. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Mar;16(3):265-73. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0399.
PubMed 20192911Brown R. Effects of Grounding on Body Voltage and Current in the Presence of Electromagnetic Fields. J Altern Complement Med. 2016 Sep;22(9):757-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.2015.0340. Epub 2016 Jul 25.
PubMed 27454187Brown R, Chevalier G, Hill M. Grounding after moderate eccentric contractions reduces muscle damage. Open Access J Sports Med. 2015 Sep 21;6:305-17. doi: 10.2147/OAJSM.S87970. eCollection 2015.
PubMed 26443876Chevalier G. Changes in pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygenation, perfusion index, skin conductance, and their variability induced during and after grounding human subjects for 40 minutes. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Jan;16(1):81-7. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0278.
PubMed 20064020Chevalier G. The effect of grounding the human body on mood. Psychol Rep. 2015 Apr;116(2):534-42. doi: 10.2466/06.PR0.116k21w5. Epub 2015 Mar 6.
PubMed 25748085Chevalier G, Patel S, Weiss L, Chopra D, Mills PJ. The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Bodyworkers' Pain and Overall Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Explore (NY). 2019 May-Jun;15(3):181-190. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2018.10.001. Epub 2018 Oct 11.
PubMed 30448083Chevalier G, Sinatra ST, Oschman JL, Delany RM. Earthing (grounding) the human body reduces blood viscosity-a major factor in cardiovascular disease. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Feb;19(2):102-10. doi: 10.1089/acm.2011.0820. Epub 2012 Jul 3.
PubMed 22757749Chevalier G, Sinatra ST, Oschman JL, Sokal K, Sokal P. Earthing: health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth's surface electrons. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:291541. doi: 10.1155/2012/291541. Epub 2012 Jan 12.
PubMed 22291721Cohen S, Janicki-Deverts D, Doyle WJ, Miller GE, Frank E, Rabin BS, Turner RB. Chronic stress, glucocorticoid receptor resistance, inflammation, and disease risk. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Apr 17;109(16):5995-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1118355109. Epub 2012 Apr 2.
PubMed 22474371Elkin HK, Winter A. Grounding Patients With Hypertension Improves Blood Pressure: A Case History Series Study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2018 Nov;24(6):46-50.
PubMed 30982019Furman D, Campisi J, Verdin E, Carrera-Bastos P, Targ S, Franceschi C, Ferrucci L, Gilroy DW, Fasano A, Miller GW, Miller AH, Mantovani A, Weyand CM, Barzilai N, Goronzy JJ, Rando TA, Effros RB, Lucia A, Kleinstreuer N, Slavich GM. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Nat Med. 2019 Dec;25(12):1822-1832. doi: 10.1038/s41591-019-0675-0. Epub 2019 Dec 5.
PubMed 31806905Ghaly M, Teplitz D. The biologic effects of grounding the human body during sleep as measured by cortisol levels and subjective reporting of sleep, pain, and stress. J Altern Complement Med. 2004 Oct;10(5):767-76. doi: 10.1089/acm.2004.10.767.
PubMed 15650465Heneka MT, Carson MJ, El Khoury J, Landreth GE, Brosseron F, Feinstein DL, Jacobs AH, Wyss-Coray T, Vitorica J, Ransohoff RM, Herrup K, Frautschy SA, Finsen B, Brown GC, Verkhratsky A, Yamanaka K, Koistinaho J, Latz E, Halle A, Petzold GC, Town T, Morgan D, Shinohara ML, Perry VH, Holmes C, Bazan NG, Brooks DJ, Hunot S, Joseph B, Deigendesch N, Garaschuk O, Boddeke E, Dinarello CA, Breitner JC, Cole GM, Golenbock DT, Kummer MP. Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Lancet Neurol. 2015 Apr;14(4):388-405. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(15)70016-5.
PubMed 25792098Johansson MM, Marcusson J, Wressle E. Cognitive impairment and its consequences in everyday life: experiences of people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia and their relatives. Int Psychogeriatr. 2015 Jun;27(6):949-58. doi: 10.1017/S1041610215000058. Epub 2015 Feb 3.
PubMed 25644289
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Sep 2021. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Grounded Brain: How Sleeping Grounded (Earthing) Affects Cognition and Personal Perceptions in Participants With Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease (MCI/AD)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05050812
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PFJ001
- Conditions
- Mild Cognitive Impairment, Chronic Inflammation
- Keywords
- Earthing, systemic chronic inflammation, grounding, SCI, immune system, sleep quality, mood, pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Unknown status
- Enrolment
- 8 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- California Institute of Integral StudiesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Sep 2021 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Nov 2021 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2021 (estimated)
- First posted
- 21 Sep 2021 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Grounding (Earthing) refers to the practice of contacting the Earth or a properly installed grounding mat with the body. Previous studies on grounding have shown positive effects body-wide inflammation, acute and chronic pain, and immune system response. Prior studies on the inflammatory process of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and some other dementias have shown connections between immune system dysregulation, inflammatory markers, and severe disease progression. Finding ways to mitigate or turn off the inflammatory response is key to treating mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of sleeping grounded on cognition and personal perceptions in participants with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease as evidenced by a battery of assessments using Cogstate's Cognitive Brief Battery and a qualitative questionnaire. We hypothesize that assessment scores will improve with grounding and that perceptions will positively correlate with an increase in scores. Modulation of risk factors like glucocorticoid resistance, SCI, and immune system dysfunction through grounding may lead to an accessible, natural technique for neurodegenerative disease prevention or treatment.
Detailed description
Grounding (Earthing) refers to the practice of contacting the Earth or a properly installed grounding mat with the body. Previous studies on grounding have shown positive effects on diurnal cortisol regulation, systemic chronic inflammation (SCI), immune system response, acute and chronic pain, mood, vagal tone, blood viscosity, blood flow, recovery from muscle strain and damage, and prevention or mitigation of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Prior studies on the inflammatory process of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and some other dementias have shown connections between immune system dysregulation, inflammatory markers, and severe disease progression. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of sleeping grounded on cognition and personal perceptions in participants with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI/AD) as evidenced by a battery of tests using the Cogstate platform's Cognitive Brief Battery (CBB) and a qualitative questionnaire to detect any correlations to the participant's perceptions of sleep quality, mood, pain, and overall well-being.
This study will both fulfill the requirement for a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and lay the foundation for further research into grounding and neurodegenerative diseases. My senior research project methodology is a mixed methods research design with a triangulation convergence, since I'll be concurrently collecting, analyzing, and evaluating the results of the quantitative and qualitative measurements before comparing, integrating, and interpreting the outcomes.
I have three hypotheses. First, I hypothesize that sleeping while grounded will result in improved scores on the Cogstate battery of tests given at baseline and weekly for three weeks. Second, I hypothesize that sleeping while grounded will result in positive perceptions regarding sleep quality, mood, pain, and overall well-being. Finally, I hypothesize that improved Cogstate scores will positively correlate with perceptions of sleep quality, mood, and overall well-being and negatively correlate with pain. The independent variable is the intervention (grounded sleeping mat), and the dependent variables are the three measurements of cognition (memory, working memory, and processing speed) and the qualitative questionnaire to evaluate how the participants feel about their sleep quality, mood, pain, and overall well-being.
The target population for this study will be adults aged 55 and up (N=8) with a current diagnosis of MCI/AD who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. I will employ a mixed methods research design that includes statistical analysis of empirical data and a qualitative questionnaire. I will use a triangulation convergence, since I'll be concurrently collecting, analyzing, and evaluating the results of the quantitative and qualitative measurements before comparing, integrating, and interpreting the outcomes. First, I will look at the percentage of change in each testing area from week to week and calculate the statistical significance (p < .01) of any changes. Second, I will calculate the mean of all the test scores per day (baseline and weekly X 3) to obtain a general cognition score which I will also use to calculate statistical significance (p < .01) of changes over time. Third, I will perform a simple linear regression analysis to determine if a correlation exists between the intervention and the cognition scores after baseline. Finally, I will perform an analysis of the qualitative questionnaire using in vivo coding to determine if any correlations exist between the cognition scores and personal perceptions. For this study, I will interpret the results based on changes in test scores over time, changes in general cognition scores over time, and positive/negative correlations of the personal perceptions and cognition scores.
Each participant will receive an Earthing Elite™ sleep mat kit which they get to keep. The sleeping mat will be installed wherever the participant sleeps (bed or recliner), and I will ensure that the mat is properly attached to the grounding plug and confirm grounding using a multimeter with two terminal leads, a cord with alligator clips on both ends, an Earthing coil cord, and an outlet checker. This procedure will show body voltage prior to grounding and while grounding to confirm that the setup is working and that body voltage has been neutralized. I will return for repeat assessments after one week, two weeks, and three weeks at which time I will verify that the system is still working properly.
All computerized testing will consist of the following assessments on the Cogstate platform: 1) Detection test (psychomotor function); 2) Identification test (attention); 3) One Card Learning test (visual learning); and 4) One Back test (working memory). The personal perceptions qualitative questionnaire will consist of several open-ended and scaled questions designed to assess how the participants perceive various subjective areas such as sleep quality, pain, mood, and overall well-being. Each participant will complete the questionnaire first before completing the computerized cognition assessments.
Modulation of risk factors like glucocorticoid resistance, SCI, and immune system dysfunction through grounding may lead to an accessible, natural technique for neurodegenerative disease prevention or treatment.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- An interventional, single-group method that lacks random assignment and has no control group but does provide baseline and post-intervention testing.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Grounded | Experimental | Device: grounding matAll participants will sleep on a grounding mat for at least six hours per 24-hour period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 55 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (11 listed)
- All approved participants must
Key exclusion criteria (15 listed)
- All approved participants must
- Earthing has been proven to reduce inflammation, thin the blood, lower blood pressure, lower and better regulate glucose levels, and improve thyroid function. While all those things are generally sought after, there could be dire consequences if a participant is on a medication to correct any of those conditions, so in the interest of safety, exclusion based on certain medications is necessary. In that same vein, if any participant must begin a medication during the study period, that participant will be disqualified in the interest of safety.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| grounding matAlso: Earthing matParticipants will sleep on an Earthing Elite sleep mat produced and sold by Earthing.com | Device | Grounded |
Primary outcome
Baseline Psychomotor Function Score
Time frame: Baseline
In this simple reaction time Detection test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up (revealing a Joker card - this same card is used throughout the test). The subject is asked to press the "YES" button as soon as the card turns face-up. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Week 1 Psychomotor Function Score
Time frame: Week 1
In this simple reaction time Detection test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up (revealing a Joker card - this same card is used throughout the test). The subject is asked to press the "YES" button as soon as the card turns face-up. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Week 2 Psychomotor Function Score
Time frame: Week 2
In this simple reaction time Detection test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up (revealing a Joker card - this same card is used throughout the test). The subject is asked to press the "YES" button as soon as the card turns face-up. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Week 3 Psychomotor Function Score
Time frame: Week 3
In this simple reaction time Detection test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up (revealing a Joker card - this same card is used throughout the test). The subject is asked to press the "YES" button as soon as the card turns face-up. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Psychomotor Function Score
Time frame: Change from baseline to week 3
In this simple reaction time Detection test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up (revealing a Joker card - this same card is used throughout the test). The subject is asked to press the "YES" button as soon as the card turns face-up. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks. Change = (Week 3 Psychomotor Function Score - Baseline Psychomotor Function Score).
Baseline Attention Score
Time frame: Baseline
In this choice reaction time Identification test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. Either a red Joker card or black Joker card will be revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject decides whether the card displayed is red. If the card is red, the subject should press the "YES" button, if it is not red, they should press "NO". Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Week 1 Attention Score
Time frame: Week 1
In this choice reaction time Identification test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. Either a red Joker card or black Joker card will be revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject decides whether the card displayed is red. If the card is red, the subject should press the "YES" button, if it is not red, they should press "NO". Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Week 2 Attention Score
Time frame: Week 2
In this choice reaction time Identification test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. Either a red Joker card or black Joker card will be revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject decides whether the card displayed is red. If the card is red, the subject should press the "YES" button, if it is not red, they should press "NO". Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Week 3 Attention Score
Time frame: Week 3
In this choice reaction time Identification test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. Either a red Joker card or black Joker card will be revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject decides whether the card displayed is red. If the card is red, the subject should press the "YES" button, if it is not red, they should press "NO". Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Attention Score
Time frame: Baseline to week 4
In this choice reaction time Identification test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. Either a red Joker card or black Joker card will be revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject decides whether the card displayed is red. If the card is red, the subject should press the "YES" button, if it is not red, they should press "NO". Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks. Change = (Week 3 Attention Score - Baseline Attention Score).
Baseline Visual Learning Score
Time frame: Baseline
In this pattern separation One Card Learning test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card has been seen before in the test. The subject should press the "YES" button if they have seen the card before in the test, or "NO" if they have not. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Week 1 Visual Learning Score
Time frame: Week 1
In this pattern separation One Card Learning test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card has been seen before in the test. The subject should press the "YES" button if they have seen the card before in the test, or "NO" if they have not. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Week 2 Visual Learning Score
Time frame: Week 2
In this pattern separation One Card Learning test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card has been seen before in the test. The subject should press the "YES" button if they have seen the card before in the test, or "NO" if they have not. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Week 3 Visual Learning Score
Time frame: Week 3
In this pattern separation One Card Learning test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card has been seen before in the test. The subject should press the "YES" button if they have seen the card before in the test, or "NO" if they have not. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks.
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Visual Learning Score
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
In this pattern separation One Card Learning test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card has been seen before in the test. The subject should press the "YES" button if they have seen the card before in the test, or "NO" if they have not. Assessed at baseline then weekly for three weeks. Change = (Week 3 Visual Learning Score - Baseline Visual Learning Score).
Baseline Working Memory Score
Time frame: Baseline
In this N-back One Back test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card is the same as the previous card. The subject should press the "YES" button if the current card is the same as the one presented immediately before it, or "NO" if it is not the same. Assessed at baseline and weekly for three weeks.
Week 1 Working Memory Score
Time frame: Week 1
In this N-back One Back test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card is the same as the previous card. The subject should press the "YES" button if the current card is the same as the one presented immediately before it, or "NO" if it is not the same. Assessed at baseline and weekly for three weeks.
Week 2 Working Memory Score
Time frame: Week 2
In this N-back One Back test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card is the same as the previous card. The subject should press the "YES" button if the current card is the same as the one presented immediately before it, or "NO" if it is not the same. Assessed at baseline and weekly for three weeks.
Week 3 Working Memory Score
Time frame: Week 3
In this N-back One Back test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card is the same as the previous card. The subject should press the "YES" button if the current card is the same as the one presented immediately before it, or "NO" if it is not the same. Assessed at baseline and weekly for three weeks.
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Working Memory Score
Time frame: Baseline and Week 3
In this N-back One Back test, a playing card is presented face-down in the center of the screen. After a random interval, the card will turn over so that is it face-up. A regular playing card from a French deck is revealed. As soon as the card turns face-up, the subject must decide whether the current card is the same as the previous card. The subject should press the "YES" button if the current card is the same as the one presented immediately before it, or "NO" if it is not the same. Assessed at baseline and weekly for three weeks. Change = (Week 3 Working Memory Score - Baseline Working Memory Score).
Baseline Sleep Quality Score
Time frame: Baseline
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about sleep quality while the second question about sleep quality is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst sleep quality) to 10 (best sleep quality).
Week 1 Sleep Quality Score
Time frame: Week 1
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about sleep quality while the second question about sleep quality is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst sleep quality) to 10 (best sleep quality).
Week 2 Sleep Quality Score
Time frame: Week 2
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about sleep quality while the second question about sleep quality is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst sleep quality) to 10 (best sleep quality).
Week 3 Sleep Quality Score
Time frame: Week 3
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about sleep quality while the second question about sleep quality is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst sleep quality) to 10 (best sleep quality).
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Sleep Quality Score
Time frame: Week 3
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about sleep quality while the second question about sleep quality is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst sleep quality) to 10 (best sleep quality). Change = (Week 3 Sleep Quality Score - Baseline Sleep Quality Score).
Baseline Pain Score
Time frame: Baseline
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about pain while the second question about pain is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Week 1 Pain Score
Time frame: Week 1
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about pain while the second question about pain is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Week 2 Pain Score
Time frame: Week 2
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about pain while the second question about pain is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Week 3 Pain Score
Time frame: Week 3
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about pain while the second question about pain is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Pain Score
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about pain while the second question about pain is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Baseline Mood Score
Time frame: Baseline
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about mood while the second question about mood is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst mood) to 10 (best mood).
Week 1 Mood Score
Time frame: Week 1
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about mood while the second question about mood is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst mood) to 10 (best mood).
Week 2 Mood Score
Time frame: Week 2
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about mood while the second question about mood is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst mood) to 10 (best mood).
Week 3 Mood Score
Time frame: Week 3
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about mood while the second question about mood is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst mood) to 10 (best mood).
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Mood Score
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about mood while the second question about mood is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst mood) to 10 (best mood).
Baseline Overall Well-Being Score
Time frame: Baseline
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about overall well-being while the second question about overall well-being is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst overall well-being) to 10 (best overall well-being).
Week 1 Overall Well-Being Score
Time frame: Week 1
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about overall well-being while the second question about overall well-being is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst overall well-being) to 10 (best overall well-being).
Week 2 Overall Well-Being Score
Time frame: Week 2
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about overall well-being while the second question about overall well-being is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst overall well-being) to 10 (best overall well-being).
Week 3 Overall Well-Being Score
Time frame: Week 3
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about overall well-being while the second question about overall well-being is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst overall well-being) to 10 (best overall well-being).
Change from Baseline to Week 3 Overall Well-Being Score
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
The Personal Perceptions Questionnaire is a self-designed instrument assessing a participant's perception about their average sleep quality, mood, pain, and well-being over the past 7 days. One question is open-ended and uses in vivo coding to create a score about overall well-being while the second question about overall well-being is scaled. Possible scores range from 0 (worst overall well-being) to 10 (best overall well-being).
16 secondary outcomes
Correlation of Change in Psychomotor Function Score and Sleep Quality Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Psychomotor Function Score and Pain Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Psychomotor Function Score and Mood Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Psychomotor Function Score and Overall Well-Being Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Attention Score and Sleep Quality Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Attention Score and Pain Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Attention Score and Mood Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Attention Score and Overall Well-Being Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Visual Learning Score and Sleep Quality Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Visual Learning Score and Pain Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Visual Learning Score and Mood Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Visual Learning Score and Overall Well-Being Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Working Memory Score and Sleep Quality Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Working Memory Score and Pain Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Working Memory Score and Mood Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Correlation of Change in Working Memory Score and Overall Well-Being Score from Baseline to Week 3
Time frame: Baseline to Week 3
Results and safety
Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Sep 2021.
- Results publication: PubMed 33814444Bostrom G, Freyhult E, Virhammar J, Alcolea D, Tumani H, Otto M, Brundin RM, Kilander L, Lowenmark M, Giedraitis V, Lleo A, von Arnim CAF, Kultima K, Ingelsson M. Different Inflammatory Signatures in Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia Cerebrospinal Fluid. J Alzheimers Dis. 2021;81(2):629-640. doi: 10.3233/JAD-201565.
- Results publication: PubMed 20192911Brown D, Chevalier G, Hill M. Pilot study on the effect of grounding on delayed-onset muscle soreness. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Mar;16(3):265-73. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0399.
- Results publication: PubMed 27454187Brown R. Effects of Grounding on Body Voltage and Current in the Presence of Electromagnetic Fields. J Altern Complement Med. 2016 Sep;22(9):757-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.2015.0340. Epub 2016 Jul 25.
- Results publication: PubMed 26443876Brown R, Chevalier G, Hill M. Grounding after moderate eccentric contractions reduces muscle damage. Open Access J Sports Med. 2015 Sep 21;6:305-17. doi: 10.2147/OAJSM.S87970. eCollection 2015.
- Results publication: PubMed 20064020Chevalier G. Changes in pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygenation, perfusion index, skin conductance, and their variability induced during and after grounding human subjects for 40 minutes. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Jan;16(1):81-7. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0278.
- Results publication: PubMed 25748085Chevalier G. The effect of grounding the human body on mood. Psychol Rep. 2015 Apr;116(2):534-42. doi: 10.2466/06.PR0.116k21w5. Epub 2015 Mar 6.
- Results publication: PubMed 30448083Chevalier G, Patel S, Weiss L, Chopra D, Mills PJ. The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Bodyworkers' Pain and Overall Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Explore (NY). 2019 May-Jun;15(3):181-190. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2018.10.001. Epub 2018 Oct 11.
- Results publication: PubMed 22757749Chevalier G, Sinatra ST, Oschman JL, Delany RM. Earthing (grounding) the human body reduces blood viscosity-a major factor in cardiovascular disease. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Feb;19(2):102-10. doi: 10.1089/acm.2011.0820. Epub 2012 Jul 3.
- Results publication: PubMed 22291721Chevalier G, Sinatra ST, Oschman JL, Sokal K, Sokal P. Earthing: health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth's surface electrons. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:291541. doi: 10.1155/2012/291541. Epub 2012 Jan 12.
- Results publication: PubMed 22474371Cohen S, Janicki-Deverts D, Doyle WJ, Miller GE, Frank E, Rabin BS, Turner RB. Chronic stress, glucocorticoid receptor resistance, inflammation, and disease risk. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Apr 17;109(16):5995-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1118355109. Epub 2012 Apr 2.
- Results publication: PubMed 30982019Elkin HK, Winter A. Grounding Patients With Hypertension Improves Blood Pressure: A Case History Series Study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2018 Nov;24(6):46-50.
- Results publication: PubMed 31806905Furman D, Campisi J, Verdin E, Carrera-Bastos P, Targ S, Franceschi C, Ferrucci L, Gilroy DW, Fasano A, Miller GW, Miller AH, Mantovani A, Weyand CM, Barzilai N, Goronzy JJ, Rando TA, Effros RB, Lucia A, Kleinstreuer N, Slavich GM. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Nat Med. 2019 Dec;25(12):1822-1832. doi: 10.1038/s41591-019-0675-0. Epub 2019 Dec 5.
- "Beware of Misinformation" from The Earthing InstituteLink provided by the sponsor.
- "How to Measure the Effect of Earthing on Body Voltage" from The Earthing InstituteLink provided by the sponsor.
- "Grounding Pain Patches: Every Medicine Cabinet Should Have Them" from The Earthing InstituteLink provided by the sponsor.
- "Medical and Medication Considerations" from The Earthing InstituteLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Mild Cognitive Impairment
RecruitingPhase 1
A First-In-Human Study of LY3954068 in Participants With Early Symptomatic Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer Disease
RecruitingPhase 1
PET Imaging of Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) in Volunteers With Alzheimer Disease (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Alzheimer s Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment
Recruiting
Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment
RecruitingObservational study
Loneliness as Risk Factor for Dementia
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Dementia (Diagnosis)
Active, not recruiting
EFFECTS OF AN OUTDOOR MAT PILATES PROGRAM ON NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Cognition Disorders
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Patrice F Jones, CPC principal investigator
California Institute of Integral Studies
Anne Huffman, PhD study director
California Institute of Integral Studies
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing grounding mat in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Chronic Inflammation, run by California Institute of Integral Studies.
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 11 inclusion and 15 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: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Sep 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. 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?
Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Patrice F Jones, CPC ((512) 762-1864, pfjones@mymail.ciis.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Baseline Psychomotor Function Score (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 40 primary outcomes in all. 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 NCT05050812, which also lists 36 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 24 Sep 2021.