tDCS and Musical Performance in Young Orchestra Musicians

Launched by CENTRO UNIVERSITÁRIO AUGUSTO MOTTA · Apr 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether a technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can help young musicians perform better and feel less anxious while playing music. Specifically, the study will look at musicians aged 18 to 30 who have at least three years of experience playing in an orchestra. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive active tDCS, while the other will get a placebo treatment (sham stimulation) that doesn’t have any real effect. Researchers want to see if those who receive the active treatment perform better musically and feel more confident and less anxious about their performances.

Eligible participants should be healthy young musicians who are currently involved in an orchestra and do not have any history of neurological or psychiatric issues. During the trial, each musician will perform a piece of music before and after receiving stimulation and complete questionnaires about their anxiety and confidence in their musical abilities. It's important to note that the study is not yet recruiting participants, so there’s still time to consider if you or someone you know might be interested in joining.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Musicians aged 18 to 30 years.
• • Minimum of 3 years of orchestral performance experience.
• • Active participation in a stable orchestra or ensemble.
• • No history of neurological or psychiatric disorders.
• • Not currently using psychotropic medications or recreational drugs.
• • Willingness to participate in all study sessions.
• • Signed informed consent form.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Presence of metallic implants in the head (e.g., cranial pins, aneurysm clips).
• • Presence of implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker).
• • History of epilepsy or seizures.
• • Prior experience with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
• • Scalp dermatitis or lesions at the electrode placement sites.
• • Pregnancy.