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tACS for Working Memory in Schizophrenia
Sponsor: Central South University
Summary
This study is a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial enrolling 30 schizophrenia patients, each receiving one active and one sham tACS session (7-day washout), targeting P3/P4 at individual alpha frequency (2mA, 30min) during a working memory task, with accuracy and reaction time as primary outcomes, alongside EEG and neurophysiological measures, to test the efficacy and mechanisms of individualized alpha-tACS on working memory.
Official title: Efficacy and Mechanisms of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in Improving Working Memory in Patients With Schizophrenia
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 50 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-07-06
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2026-07-14
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
transcranial alternating current stimulation
For montage 1, active electrode at P3 (10-10 system), return electrodes at P1, P5, PO3, CP3. For montage 2, active electrode at P4, return electrodes at P2, P6, PO4, CP4. Conductive paste ensures impedance \<10 kΩ. Individual alpha frequency is used, calculated before each session from mean EEG at P3/P4 during SIRP task. Stimulation intensity is 2 mA (peak-to-zero) via electric field modeling. Stimulation is delivered during SIRP task, 30 min total per session (including 15s ramp-up/down), with continuous sine wave output.
sham stimulation
Sham stimulation provides only a 15-second ramp-up and ramp-down current at the beginning and end of each session to mimic the initial tingling or itching sensation on the scalp produced by real stimulation, but delivers no effective stimulation current during the main phase of the task period.
Locations (1)
The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
Changsha, Hunan, China