Impact of Theta Burst Stimulation Over the Left DLPFC on Language Switching

Languages Clinical Trial

Official title: Impact of Theta Burst Stimulation Over the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex on Language Switching and Cognitive Flexibility

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether theta burst stimulation (TBS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) influences language switching and cognitive flexibility. The experimental paradigm will assess the impact of inhibitory and excitatory prefrontal stimulation by TBS versus sham-TBS over the DLPFC in healthy bilinguals.

Clinical Trial Description

Background:

Clinical observations and neuroimaging studies seem to confirm the role of executive functions and frontal structures in language processing in bilingual subjects.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, such as for example theta burst stimulation (TBS), is increasingly being used as a valuable tool for neuroscientists investigating the underlying mechanisms of cognitive functions. Case studies have shown a change in language switching after bilingual patients received repetitive magnetic stimulation to the left DLPFC. However, there is no study investigating the effect of TBS applied to the DLPFC on language switching in healthy participants.

Procedure:

A planned total of 40 unbalanced bilingual participants will be included. Half of the participants will receive inhibitory theta burst stimulation (continuous TBS), the other half excitatory theta burst stimulation (intermittent TBS). After TBS, different language and nonverbal tasks will be performed while an EEG is measured. Before being stimulated, each subject will conduct the same tasks with a sham-TBS as a baseline measure. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Languages

• NCT number: NCT03148470
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Fribourg
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: September 2016
• Completion date: July 2019