Electricity; EffectsNCT05959551
HD-tDCS to Modulate Connectivity
A study testing high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) in people with Electricity; Effects, run by University of Manitoba at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
The purpose of the proposed study is to broaden our understanding on the neural effects of High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) so that its clinical effects can be further improved. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Electricity; Effects
- What is being tested?
- high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2023to 31 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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
- All other than excluded.
Who cannot join
- History or susceptibility to any neurological or psychiatric diseases, particularly seizures
- abnormal MRI
- metal implants or a cardiac pacemaker
- pregnant or breastfeeding women
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Canada1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0J9
Ji Hyun Ko, PhD, 204-318-2566, ji.ko@umanitoba.ca
About this study
Official title: Modulating Functional Brain Connectivity Using High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS)
The purpose of the proposed study is to broaden our understanding on the neural effects of High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) so that its clinical effects can be further improved.
Read the detailed description
Normal healthy individuals will be recruited and undergo a standardized neuropsychological assessment (ANAM, MoCA, BDI-II, ToMS, and MAAS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During MRI, HD-tDCS will be applied. Four different stimulation targets will be investigated, and subjects will be randomly assigned for each target groups or sham group. After HD-tDCS/MRI session, subjects will be re-assessed with standardized neuropsychological tests.
- Conditions
- Electricity; Effects
- Being tested
- high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)Device
HD-tDCS will be provided for 20 minutes for each stimulation with peak intensity of 2mA.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| left DLPFC stimulation | Experimental | HD-tDCS will be used to deliver direct current to the target via rubber electrodes and HD-tDCS gels. The 9 electrodes (8 channels + 1 ground) positions and current intensity will be determined based on computer simulation using HDTargets software (Soterix Inc.) that results in maximum focal current on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; x=-44, y=10, z=30) with inward field orientation. The peak current will not exceed 2 mA. A constant current will be delivered for 20 minutes. Receives: Device: high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) |
| right DLPFC stimulation | Experimental | HD-tDCS will be used to deliver direct current to the target via rubber electrodes and HD-tDCS gels. The 9 electrodes (8 channels + 1 ground) positions and current intensity will be determined based on computer simulation using HDTargets software (Soterix Inc.) that results in maximum focal current on the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; x=+42, y=+14, z=+30) with inward field orientation. The peak current will not exceed 2 mA. A constant current will be delivered for 20 minutes. Receives: Device: high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) |
| left IPL stimulation | Experimental | HD-tDCS will be used to deliver direct current to the target via rubber electrodes and HD-tDCS gels. The 9 electrodes (8 channels + 1 ground) positions and current intensity will be determined based on computer simulation using HDTargets software (Soterix Inc.) that results in maximum focal current on the left intraparietal lobe (IPL; x=-50, y=-36, z=+42) with inward field orientation. The peak current will not exceed 2 mA. A constant current will be delivered for 20 minutes. Receives: Device: high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) |
| VLPFC-PCC stimulation | Experimental | HD-tDCS will be used to deliver direct current to the target via rubber electrodes and HD-tDCS gels. The 9 electrodes (8 channels + 1 ground) positions and current intensity will be determined based on computer simulation using HDTargets software (Soterix Inc.) that results in maximum focal current on the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC; x=-50, y=+26, z=+8) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC; x=1, y=-61, z=38) with inward field orientation. The peak current will not exceed 2 mA. A constant current will be delivered for 20 minutes. Receives: Device: high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) |
| Sham stimulation | Sham comparator | One of the above three targets will be randomly selected. The current will be applied for 30 seconds ramp-up followed by 30 seconds ramp-down. Receives: Device: high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
change of functional connectivity
Changes in seed-based connectivity originating from the targeted brain regions immediately after the brain stimulation
Measured: 0-11 minutes after the stimulation contrasting baseline (before stimulation)
Secondary outcomes (3)
change of cerebral blood flow
Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow (estimated using pseudo continuous arterial spin labeling )
Measured: 12-16 minutes after the stimulation contrasting baseline (before stimulation)
Toronto Mindfulness Scale (curiosity)
mindfulness scale for curiosity. min: 0, max: 30. Higher score means higher curiosity-mindfulness.
Measured: Baseline, then within 1-2 hours from stimulation
Toronto Mindfulness Scale (decentering)
mindfulness scale for decentering. min: 0, max: 35. Higher score means higher decentering-mindfulness.
Measured: Baseline, then within 1-2 hours from stimulation
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Jul 2023
- Study start1 Jul 2023
- Primary completion31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Electricity; EffectsStudies 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
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- 4 active treatment groups + 1 inactive treatment group
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Manitoba
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canada
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05959551
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HS24853
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 20 Jun 2023
- Last updated
- 1 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Modulating Functional Brain Connectivity Using High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05959551
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HS24853
- Conditions
- Electricity; Effects
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of ManitobaUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canada
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 Jul 2023 (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.
The purpose of the proposed study is to broaden our understanding on the neural effects of High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) so that its clinical effects can be further improved.
Detailed description
Normal healthy individuals will be recruited and undergo a standardized neuropsychological assessment (ANAM, MoCA, BDI-II, ToMS, and MAAS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During MRI, HD-tDCS will be applied. Four different stimulation targets will be investigated, and subjects will be randomly assigned for each target groups or sham group. After HD-tDCS/MRI session, subjects will be re-assessed with standardized neuropsychological tests.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 5
- Model description
- 4 active treatment groups + 1 inactive treatment group
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| left DLPFC stimulation | Experimental | Device: high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)HD-tDCS will be used to deliver direct current to the target via rubber electrodes and HD-tDCS gels. The 9 electrodes (8 channels + 1 ground) positions and current intensity will be determined based on computer simulation using HDTargets software (Soterix Inc.) that results in maximum focal current on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; x=-44, y=10, z=30) with inward field orientation. The peak current will not exceed 2 mA. A constant current will be delivered for 20 minutes. |
| right DLPFC stimulation | Experimental | Device: high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)HD-tDCS will be used to deliver direct current to the target via rubber electrodes and HD-tDCS gels. The 9 electrodes (8 channels + 1 ground) positions and current intensity will be determined based on computer simulation using HDTargets software (Soterix Inc.) that results in maximum focal current on the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; x=+42, y=+14, z=+30) with inward field orientation. The peak current will not exceed 2 mA. A constant current will be delivered for 20 minutes. |
| left IPL stimulation | Experimental | Device: high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)HD-tDCS will be used to deliver direct current to the target via rubber electrodes and HD-tDCS gels. The 9 electrodes (8 channels + 1 ground) positions and current intensity will be determined based on computer simulation using HDTargets software (Soterix Inc.) that results in maximum focal current on the left intraparietal lobe (IPL; x=-50, y=-36, z=+42) with inward field orientation. The peak current will not exceed 2 mA. A constant current will be delivered for 20 minutes. |
| VLPFC-PCC stimulation | Experimental | Device: high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)HD-tDCS will be used to deliver direct current to the target via rubber electrodes and HD-tDCS gels. The 9 electrodes (8 channels + 1 ground) positions and current intensity will be determined based on computer simulation using HDTargets software (Soterix Inc.) that results in maximum focal current on the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC; x=-50, y=+26, z=+8) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC; x=1, y=-61, z=38) with inward field orientation. The peak current will not exceed 2 mA. A constant current will be delivered for 20 minutes. |
| Sham stimulation | Sham comparator | Device: high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)One of the above three targets will be randomly selected. The current will be applied for 30 seconds ramp-up followed by 30 seconds ramp-down. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- All other than excluded.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- History or susceptibility to any neurological or psychiatric diseases, particularly seizures
- abnormal MRI
- metal implants or a cardiac pacemaker
- pregnant or breastfeeding women
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 |
|---|---|---|
| high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)HD-tDCS will be provided for 20 minutes for each stimulation with peak intensity of 2mA. | Device | Sham stimulation, VLPFC-PCC stimulation, left DLPFC stimulation, left IPL stimulation, right DLPFC stimulation |
Primary outcome
change of functional connectivity
Time frame: 0-11 minutes after the stimulation contrasting baseline (before stimulation)
Changes in seed-based connectivity originating from the targeted brain regions immediately after the brain stimulation
3 secondary outcomes
change of cerebral blood flow
Time frame: 12-16 minutes after the stimulation contrasting baseline (before stimulation)
Toronto Mindfulness Scale (curiosity)
Time frame: Baseline, then within 1-2 hours from stimulation
Toronto Mindfulness Scale (decentering)
Time frame: Baseline, then within 1-2 hours from stimulation
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 1 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) in people with Electricity; Effects, run by University of Manitoba at 1 site in Canada.
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 4 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 May 2026. 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 Canada. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Ji Hyun Ko, PhD (2042930724, ji.ko@umanitoba.ca), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
change of functional connectivity (time frame: 0-11 minutes after the stimulation contrasting baseline (before stimulation)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 1 May 2026.