Evaluate the effect of transcranial stimulation on language skills
Descrizione riassuntiva dello studio
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)
Intervento studiato
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)
Malattie studiate
None
(BASEC)
Individuals who meet all of the following conditions can participate in this study: - Aged 18 to 35 years or 60 to 90 years - Have French as their native language - In good general health - Right-handed - Have normal or corrected vision and hearing - Able to understand the information about the study and follow the instructions (BASEC)
Criteri di esclusione
A person will not be able to participate in this study if they are in any of the following situations: - History of neurological or psychiatric illness (e.g., epilepsy, stroke, severe depression) - Past seizures or frequent severe migraines - Presence of an implanted medical device (e.g., pacemaker, neurostimulator, drug pump) - Presence of a metallic object in the head (other than teeth or dental appliances) or history of skull surgery - Pregnancy or suspicion of pregnancy - Regular use of medications or substances affecting the nervous system (e.g., sleeping pills, tranquilizers, drugs) - Significant language, speech, or hearing disorders - Difficulty understanding instructions or following the study process - Any other medical condition deemed incompatible with participation by the research team (BASEC)
Luogo dello studio
Ginevra
(BASEC)
Sponsor
Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève
(BASEC)
Contatto per ulteriori informazioni sullo studio
Persona di contatto in Svizzera
Adrian Guggisberg
0223723706
adrian.guggisberg@clutterhug.chHôpitaux Universitaires de Genève
(BASEC)
Informazioni scientifiche
non disponibile
Nome del comitato etico approvante (per studi multicentrici solo il comitato principale)
Commissione d'etica Ginevra
(BASEC)
Data di approvazione del comitato etico
16.03.2026
(BASEC)
ID di studio ICTRP
non disponibile
Titolo ufficiale (approvato dal comitato etico)
Effect of transcranial random noise stimulation on the performance in language tasks (BASEC)
Titolo accademico
non disponibile
Titolo pubblico
non disponibile
Malattie studiate
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Intervento studiato
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Tipo di studio
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Disegno dello studio
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Criteri di inclusione/esclusione
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non disponibile
Endpoint primari e secondari
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Data di registrazione
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Inclusione del primo partecipante
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Sponsor secondari
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Contatti aggiuntivi
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ID secondari
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Risultati-Dati individuali dei partecipanti
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Ulteriori informazioni sullo studio
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Risultati dello studio
Riepilogo dei risultati
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Link ai risultati nel registro primario
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