Can believing in brain stimulation make it work better?

NCT ID NCT06039605

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Arizona State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 31, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026

Summary

This study explores whether telling people that a brain stimulation technique called tDCS will help them learn a motor task can actually boost its effectiveness. Healthy right-handed adults will receive tDCS while practicing a bean-spooning task over several days, with some participants primed to expect greater benefits. The goal is to see if expectations can enhance the brain stimulation's impact on motor learning, measured by performance one week later.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique using weak electrical currents via scalp electrodes
What this could lead to: If expectations amplify tDCS effects, it could lead to more effective brain stimulation protocols for motor rehabilitation and skill acquisition.
What could go wrong: The trial is early-stage and focuses on healthy adults, so results may not apply to clinical populations. The effect of expectations may be small or inconsistent.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

EXPECTATIONS MOTOR LEARNING

Contacts and locations

Locations

Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona, 85281, United States

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