CONTROL: Brain stimulation for mental control
This study investigates whether self-control during threat and cognitive function can be improved with the help of brain stimulation.
Introduction
More and more attention is being paid to techniques that can adequately deal with threats or unpredictable situations, something that many soldiers have to deal with. This is important for optimal operational functioning as well as for mental wellbeing.
A possible new technique that can be used to enhance control of the response to threat or unpredictability is brain stimulation through “transcranial Direct Current Stimulation”, or tDCS. By applying tDCS to a prefrontal brain area, it seems possible to strengthen the control of behaviour.
In this study we investigate a short intervention in which tDCS is applied. We test whether this tDCS intervention can permanently increase the control of responses to threats. In addition, we investigate questions surrounding the mechanisms of action of the tDCS intervention by looking at changes in brain activity, which is measured by electroencephalography (EEG).
Project overview
Objective:
- Investigate whether self-control during threat improves with the help of brain stimulation in the form of tDCS.
- Investigate whether cognitive functions such as working memory improve using tDCS.
- Investigate the influence of the application of tDCS on brain activity.
Target population:
Soldiers (18 years and above) without mental health complaints.
Timeframe:
The study started in 2020.
Results:
Not yet available.