tDCS With Cognitive Training to Reduce Impulsivity and Weight in Veterans With Obesity

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Jan 31, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help veterans with obesity by combining a technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with cognitive training. The goal is to see if this combination can help reduce impulsive behaviors and promote weight loss. The researchers hope that by finding effective treatments, they can assist individuals struggling with obesity in achieving better health outcomes.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be veterans enrolled in a weight management program at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and have a body mass index (BMI) of over 30, or over 27 with related health issues. Eligible participants should be between 18 and 80 years old, able to understand English, and willing to follow the study's guidelines. Throughout the trial, participants can expect to engage in cognitive training sessions while receiving tDCS, which involves a gentle electrical stimulation to the scalp. It’s important to note that certain medical conditions or histories, such as severe head injuries or specific mental health issues, may exclude someone from participating.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Veteran enrolled in a MOVE! Weight Management Program (group or individual) at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System
• • Obese (BMI\>30 or BMI\>27 plus at least one weight-related comorbidity)
• • Adults, ages 18 years or older (up to age 80)
• • Able to understand English, self-consent and follow study-related procedures
• • Willing to use a reliable form of birth control if they are of females of child-bearing potential
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of any of the following: seizures, severe or moderate head injury, head surgery, significant neurological disorder (significance based on Principal Investigator's judgment)
• • Frequent severe headaches
• • History of scalp conditions such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis
• • Metal in head (other than in mouth) including shrapnel/surgical clips/welding fragments
• • Implanted medical devices (including pumps and cardiac pacemakers)
• • Pregnancy
• • Acute substance dependence or withdrawal that would affect ability to complete cognitive training
• • Moderately severe to severe depression (as identified on PHQ-9 scale during baseline screening)
• • Other psychological or medical disorders requiring inpatient treatment (as identified during chart review)
• • Presence of a known metabolic or hormonal disorder (such as Cushing's, untreated thyroid dysfunction, or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus defined as a hemoglobin A1c \> 8.0), or significant edema/volume overload - all of which would affect weight
• • Uncontrolled hypothyroidism that would affect weight