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Enhancing Letter-Speech Sound Learning and Reading Network Activation With Transcranial Electrical Stimulation
Sponsor: Silvia Brem
Summary
This study investigates the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) on the brain and its potential to enhance reading-related learning. Adult participants with a range of reading abilities will receive transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) while they perform an artificial orthography learning task. This task simulates letter-speech sound learning, an important first step during reading acquisition known to be impaired in individuals with developmental dyslexia. The effects of the intervention will be assessed using both behavioral measures and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Official title: Transcranial Electrical Stimulation and the Reading Brain: Toward Novel Interventions for Reading Impairments
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 35 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2026-04-23
Completion Date
2027-06
Last Updated
2026-05-22
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Transcranial random noise stimulation
Participants will receive high-frequency tRNS (max. 1.5 mA) applied to the left superior temporal gyrus. A high-definition setup (3x1 electrodes) will be used to achieve more focal stimulation. Stimulation will be applied during an artificial orthography learning task with simultaneous fMRI acquisition.
Sham Stimulation
Participants will also have electrodes placed on their scalp. The setup is programmed to induce a short ramp-up of the chosen electrical current followed by a ramp-down at the beginning and at the end of the stimulation. In between, no current will be applied. Sham stimulation will be applied during an artificial orthography learning task with simultaneous fMRI acquisition.
Locations (1)
University Hospital of Psychiatry
Zurich, Switzerland