Evaluate the effect of transcranial stimulation on language skills

Zusammenfassung der Studie

Language is an essential function of daily life, allowing for communication, understanding others, reading, and learning. Certain brain injuries can disrupt these abilities, and current treatments do not always allow for complete recovery. To improve future therapeutic approaches, it is necessary to better understand how the brain processes language and how its activity can be modulated. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called random noise transcranial stimulation. This method involves applying a very weak electric current to the scalp to modulate the activity of brain regions involved in language. It is commonly used in research and is considered safe when applied according to current recommendations. Healthy adult volunteers will participate in this study. Each participant will take part in two sessions spaced about a week apart. In one session, stimulation will be active, and in the other, a placebo stimulation will be used. The placebo stimulation resembles the real stimulation but has no active effect. Neither the participants nor the researchers will know which stimulation is applied during each session. During the sessions, participants will perform various language tasks, and brain activity will be recorded using an electroencephalogram (EEG), a painless method. This study does not provide direct benefits for the participants. The risks are low and limited to temporary sensations, such as tingling on the scalp. The results will help to better understand the brain's functioning in language and could eventually contribute to the development of new rehabilitation approaches.

(BASEC)

Untersuchte Intervention

The intervention studied consists of non-invasive brain stimulation called random noise transcranial stimulation. This method uses a certified medical device that delivers a very weak electric current through the scalp, using small electrodes placed on the head.

The stimulation targets areas of the brain involved in language. It is applied while participants perform simple language tasks, such as exercises on word sounds, grammar, or reading. The goal is to observe whether this stimulation can temporarily modify brain activity and influence language performance.

Each participant takes part in two sessions. In one session, the stimulation is actually applied. In the other, a placebo stimulation is used. The placebo stimulation resembles the real stimulation (setup, initial sensations) but has no active effect on the brain. This comparison allows us to verify whether the observed effects are indeed due to the stimulation.

The stimulation is painless, well-tolerated, and considered safe when used according to recommendations. Sensations experienced may include slight tingling or a feeling of warmth on the scalp, which quickly disappears.

(BASEC)

Untersuchte Krankheit(en)

None

(BASEC)

Sponsor

Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève

(BASEC)

Name der bewilligenden Ethikkommission (bei multizentrischen Studien nur die Leitkommission)

Ethikkommission Genf

(BASEC)

Datum der Bewilligung durch die Ethikkommission

16.03.2026

(BASEC)

Ergebnisse der Studie