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Understanding Brain Control and Movement with HD-tDCS

This study aims to understand how the brain controls movement and if a technique called High-density transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) can improve hand function. Participants will receive either a standard HD-tDCS intervention or a personalized multifocal HD-tDCS intervention. Researchers will measure changes in your ability to perform precise hand movements and complete a nine-hole peg test. You may be eligible if you are between 65 and 85 years old, right-handed, in good health, and speak English. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status and plans to enroll 40 healthy individuals. The goal is to see if HD-tDCS can improve hand dexterity.

Study design
This is an interventional study with 40 healthy participants. You will be randomly assigned to receive one of two types of HD-tDCS interventions.
What's involved
You will have three HD-tDCS sessions, along with behavioral assessments. You will also have an fMRI scan before or after your HD-tDCS intervention.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your hand function will be measured at the start of the study and 24 hours after your third HD-tDCS session.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06561165

Multifocal HD-tDCS and Motor Function

Recruiting
NAAges 65–85InterventionalBasic science
University of Michigan
~40 participants
Updated 2026-02-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Standard HD-tDCS interventionMultifocal network targeted HD-tDCS interventionFunctional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Percent change in precision force-tracking task
Measured over Baseline and 24 hours after the third sessions are completed
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Healthy

Explore related trials

Healthy

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Michigan1

Study leadership

  • Michael Vesia, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Michigan

Who to contact

Michael Vesia, PhD
[email protected]
734-764-5237
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Participants should be in good health with normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity
Right handed
No history of neurological disorder
English speaker
Able to provide written consent prior to admission

Exclusion

Left-handed
Participants are pregnant, suspect pregnancy or are attempting to become pregnant
Have a pacemaker, intracardiac lines or any other medically implanted device or medicine pump
Have cochlear hearing implants
Taking drugs known to influence neural receptors that facilitate neuroplasticity (see protocol)
Have non removable body piercings or have foreign objects in body
Have metal anywhere in the head that could increase risk of serious injury (not including braces, dental fillings, etc.) (see protocol)
Have a personal or family history of seizure/epilepsy
Taking prescription drugs that lower the threshold for seizures
Recent history of excessive alcohol consumption
History of alcohol addiction/dependence
Recent history of recreational drug use
History of drug addiction/dependence
Recent history of recreational drug use
History of drug addiction/dependence
Diagnosed with a stroke, brain hemorrhage, brain tumor, encephalitis.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease
Diagnosed with depression in the past 6 months
Diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia, manic depressive (bipolar) disorder
Diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus or increased intra-cranial pressure
Diabetes requiring insulin treatment
Any serious heart disorder or liver disease

What this trial measures

  • Percent change in precision force-tracking taskBaseline and 24 hours after the third sessions are completed

    Squared distance (error) from the cursor to the target in precision force-tracking task, estimated as the root mean squared error (RMSE).

  • Percentage change in the time to complete the nine-hole peg test (9-HPT)Baseline and 24 hours after the third sessions are completed

    9-hole peg test is a manual dexterity measure, estimated as the time required to complete the task (seconds).