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tDCS Effects on Resisting Smoking: Dose Ranging Study (RDR)

Primary Purpose

Nicotine Addiction

Status
Completed
Phase
Not Applicable
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
Sponsored by
University of Pennsylvania
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional other trial for Nicotine Addiction

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - 60 Years (Adult)All SexesAccepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Healthy males and females who are between 18 and 60 years of age
  2. Report smoking at least 10 cigarettes per day for the past year and have a CO value of > 10ppm at intake
  3. Planning to live in the area for at least the next 2 months;
  4. Capable of giving written informed consent, which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the combined consent and HIPAA form;
  5. Able to communicate fluently in English (speaking, writing, and reading);
  6. Smokers who answer yes on a question regarding motivation to quit smoking.

Exclusion Criteria:

Alcohol/Drugs:

  1. History or current diagnosis or treatment for alcohol or drug abuse (as reported during phone screen);
  2. Positive breath alcohol concentration test (BrAC >0.01) at any study visit. a. Participants testing positive for breath alcohol with a reading equal to or greater than .08 (the legal driving limit) or who are visibly impaired will be instructed not to drive themselves home after the appointment. If a participant needs to use a phone to call for a safe ride home, an office telephone will be made available to the participant.

Medication:

Current use or recent discontinuation (within the last 14 days at the time of Intake) of:

  1. Smoking cessation medication (e.g., Zyban, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Chantix);
  2. Anti-psychotic medications;
  3. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT);
  4. GABAergic medications;
  5. Glutamatergic medications;
  6. Any medication that could compromise participant safety as determined by the Principal Investigator and/or Study Physician.

    Daily use of:

  7. Opiate-containing medications for chronic pain;
  8. Benzodiazepines.

Medical/Neuropsychiatric:

  1. Women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, and/or breast feeding. All female subjects will complete a urine pregnancy test at the intake visit and preceding all brain stimulation sessions (4 urine pregnancy tests in total);
  2. History of epilepsy or a seizure disorder;
  3. History of stroke;
  4. Self-reported history of brain or spinal tumor;
  5. Self-reported history or current diagnosis of psychosis, including schizophrenia, mania, bipolar disorder, major depression (subjects with a history of major depression but in remission for past 6 months are eligible).

tDCS-related:

  1. Self-report of metallic objects in the face or head other than dental apparatus (e.g. braces, fillings, and implants);
  2. Self-report of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).
  3. Self-report of any skull fracture or opening.

General Exclusion:

  1. Any medical condition, illness, disorder, or concomitant medication that could compromise participant safety or treatment, as determined by the Principal Investigator;
  2. Low or borderline intellectual functioning - determined by a score of less than 90 on the Shipley Institute of Living Scale (SILS) (administered at Intake Visit). The SILS correlates with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) Estimated IQ Test;
  3. Inability to provide informed consent or complete any of the study tasks as determined by the Principal Investigator.

Sites / Locations

  • University of Pennsylvania

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm 3

Arm Type

Sham Comparator

Experimental

Experimental

Arm Label

Sham dose

1mA dose

2 mA dose

Arm Description

Participants in this arm will receive the sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) procedure. During sham tDCS, a 1.0 mA to 2.0 mA current will be delivered for approximately 30 seconds before being extinguished over a course of seconds. Again, the anodal electrode will be placed over the left F3 and the cathodal electrode over the right supraorbital area. Most participants cannot distinguish between real and sham tDCS.

Participants in this arm will receive the 1mA transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) procedure. A neuroConn DC-Stimulator Plus will apply a constant direct current (1.0 mA via 5x7 electrode) to the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex. Each participant will receive anodal stimulation for a period of 20 minutes. For anodal stimulation over the left DLPFC, the anodal electrode will be placed over the left F3 and the cathodal electrode over the right supraorbital area (international EEG 10/20 system).

Participants in this arm will receive the 2 mA transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) procedure. A neuroConn DC-Stimulator Plus will apply a constant direct current (2.0 mA via 5x7 electrode) to the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex. Each participant will receive anodal stimulation for a period of 20 minutes. For anodal stimulation over the left DLPFC, the anodal electrode will be placed over the left F3 and the cathodal electrode over the right supraorbital area (international EEG 10/20 system).

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Resisting Smoking - Time to First Cigarette in the Resist Smoking Paradigm
Participant smoking behavior will be assessed during the laboratory session using a validated smoking lapse paradigm. The primary outcome measure is time to first cigarette in minutes.
Resisting Smoking - Number of Cigarettes Smoked in the Resist Smoking Paradigm
Participant smoking behavior will be assessed during the laboratory session using a validated smoking lapse paradigm. The primary outcome measure is number of cigarettes smoked.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Urge to Smoke for Negative Affect Relief
The 10-item brief QSU (QSU-B) questionnaire will be used to assess smoking urges. The QSU-B contains 2 subscales (anticipation of reward, relief from negative affect). The QSU-B with a "Right Now" frame of reference will be administered before the smoking resist paradigm. Urge to smoke for negative affect relief (QSU-B Factor 2) has been linked to outcomes for the smoking resist paradigm. The range of possible scores is 4 to 28, with higher scores indicating greater urges.
Number of Days Abstinent From Cigarettes During Monitored Abstinence Period
Number of days of biochemically verified abstinence during the monitoring period will be recorded.

Full Information

First Posted
November 17, 2015
Last Updated
February 27, 2019
Sponsor
University of Pennsylvania
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT02624284
Brief Title
tDCS Effects on Resisting Smoking: Dose Ranging Study
Acronym
RDR
Official Title
tDCS Effects on Resisting Smoking: Dose Ranging Study
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
February 2019
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
November 2015 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
March 31, 2018 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
March 31, 2018 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor
Name of the Sponsor
University of Pennsylvania

4. Oversight

Data Monitoring Committee
No

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
Behaviors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and sedentary behavior have far-reaching health implications. These modifiable behaviors account for a substantial proportion of deaths from cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and take a significant economic toll. Yet, many unhealthy behaviors are very resistant to change, despite widespread knowledge of the risks. Although theories of behavior change have been advanced to explain the persistence of these behaviors, few consider the neurobehavioral underpinnings. These approaches also fail to address a fundamental aspect of behavior change - an individual's ability to exert sufficient self-control to overcome temptations for immediate gratification and/or to maintain attention to long-term goals. With advances in the neuroimaging field, the investigators are learning where and how self-control over decisions and behaviors is executed in the brain. This work points to the central role of neural activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC) in self-control processes that contribute to healthy choices. Further, emerging evidence shows that activity in the prefrontal cortices and cognitive control circuits can be modulated using a noninvasive and safe intervention: direct current transcranial stimulation (tDCS). The investigators pilot study, IRB study #820231, demonstrated that a single session of 1mA tDCS increased the ability to resist smoking in a validated smoking lapse paradigm. The current study will use a between-subject design to investigate the dose/response relationship between tDCS (administered at 1mA, 2mA, or sham stimulation for three sessions) and ability to resist smoking.
Detailed Description
This trial will use a between-subject single blind design in which participants will be randomized to one of three tDCS dosage groups (1mA, 2mA or sham) and will receive three 20 minute sessions of the same dosage over the course of 1 week before completing a 7 day quit attempt. Eligible participants will complete an Intake Visit (week -1) for final eligibility determination, and complete baseline measures (if eligible). Participants will then be randomly assigned to one of the three dosage groups (1mA, 2mA or sham) and will attend three identical tDCS resist-smoking sessions (study days 1, 3, & 5) during which they will receive 20 minutes of their assigned tDCS dosage and complete cognitive tasks and a resist smoking paradigm. During the resist smoking sessions, participants will receive a session of their assigned dosage of tDCS for 20 minutes while being exposed to in vivo smoking cues (their cigarette pack, cigarettes, an ashtray). Participants will not be informed of their dosage condition. During and after the tDCS session, participants will have the opportunity to smoke in the approved smoking lab. The investigators will measure time to first cigarette and subsequent ad libitum smoking during the resist smoking paradigm. Following Session 3 participants will receive a 20 minute coaching session from a trained smoking cessation counselor to help them prepare for a 7-day quit attempt. During the 7-day quit attempt participants will be asked to attend 4 monitoring visits (study days 6, 8, 10 & 12) to confirm smoking status.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Nicotine Addiction

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Other
Study Phase
Not Applicable
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Masking
ParticipantInvestigatorOutcomes Assessor
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
172 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Sham dose
Arm Type
Sham Comparator
Arm Description
Participants in this arm will receive the sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) procedure. During sham tDCS, a 1.0 mA to 2.0 mA current will be delivered for approximately 30 seconds before being extinguished over a course of seconds. Again, the anodal electrode will be placed over the left F3 and the cathodal electrode over the right supraorbital area. Most participants cannot distinguish between real and sham tDCS.
Arm Title
1mA dose
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Participants in this arm will receive the 1mA transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) procedure. A neuroConn DC-Stimulator Plus will apply a constant direct current (1.0 mA via 5x7 electrode) to the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex. Each participant will receive anodal stimulation for a period of 20 minutes. For anodal stimulation over the left DLPFC, the anodal electrode will be placed over the left F3 and the cathodal electrode over the right supraorbital area (international EEG 10/20 system).
Arm Title
2 mA dose
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Participants in this arm will receive the 2 mA transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) procedure. A neuroConn DC-Stimulator Plus will apply a constant direct current (2.0 mA via 5x7 electrode) to the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex. Each participant will receive anodal stimulation for a period of 20 minutes. For anodal stimulation over the left DLPFC, the anodal electrode will be placed over the left F3 and the cathodal electrode over the right supraorbital area (international EEG 10/20 system).
Intervention Type
Device
Intervention Name(s)
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
Other Intervention Name(s)
tDCS, neuroConn DC-Stimulator Plus
Intervention Description
Active tDCS: A neuroConn DC-Stimulator Plus will apply a constant direct current (1.0 mA to 2.0 mA via 5x7 electrode) to the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex. Each participant will receive anodal stimulation for a period of 20 minutes. For anodal stimulation over the left DLPFC, the anodal electrode will be placed over the left F3 and the cathodal electrode over the right supraorbital area (international EEG 10/20 system). Sham tDCS: During sham tDCS, a 1.0 mA to 2.0 mA current will be delivered for approximately 30 seconds before being extinguished over a course of seconds. Again, the anodal electrode will be placed over the left F3 and the cathodal electrode over the right supraorbital area. Most participants cannot distinguish between real and sham tDCS.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Resisting Smoking - Time to First Cigarette in the Resist Smoking Paradigm
Description
Participant smoking behavior will be assessed during the laboratory session using a validated smoking lapse paradigm. The primary outcome measure is time to first cigarette in minutes.
Time Frame
During laboratory session on day 5, assessed for up to 2 hours
Title
Resisting Smoking - Number of Cigarettes Smoked in the Resist Smoking Paradigm
Description
Participant smoking behavior will be assessed during the laboratory session using a validated smoking lapse paradigm. The primary outcome measure is number of cigarettes smoked.
Time Frame
During laboratory session on day 5, assessed for up to 2 hours
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Urge to Smoke for Negative Affect Relief
Description
The 10-item brief QSU (QSU-B) questionnaire will be used to assess smoking urges. The QSU-B contains 2 subscales (anticipation of reward, relief from negative affect). The QSU-B with a "Right Now" frame of reference will be administered before the smoking resist paradigm. Urge to smoke for negative affect relief (QSU-B Factor 2) has been linked to outcomes for the smoking resist paradigm. The range of possible scores is 4 to 28, with higher scores indicating greater urges.
Time Frame
During laboratory session on day 5, assessed for up to 2 hours
Title
Number of Days Abstinent From Cigarettes During Monitored Abstinence Period
Description
Number of days of biochemically verified abstinence during the monitoring period will be recorded.
Time Frame
Assessed during 7-day monitored abstinence period during study days 6 - 12

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
60 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Healthy males and females who are between 18 and 60 years of age Report smoking at least 10 cigarettes per day for the past year and have a CO value of > 10ppm at intake Planning to live in the area for at least the next 2 months; Capable of giving written informed consent, which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the combined consent and HIPAA form; Able to communicate fluently in English (speaking, writing, and reading); Smokers who answer yes on a question regarding motivation to quit smoking. Exclusion Criteria: Alcohol/Drugs: History or current diagnosis or treatment for alcohol or drug abuse (as reported during phone screen); Positive breath alcohol concentration test (BrAC >0.01) at any study visit. a. Participants testing positive for breath alcohol with a reading equal to or greater than .08 (the legal driving limit) or who are visibly impaired will be instructed not to drive themselves home after the appointment. If a participant needs to use a phone to call for a safe ride home, an office telephone will be made available to the participant. Medication: Current use or recent discontinuation (within the last 14 days at the time of Intake) of: Smoking cessation medication (e.g., Zyban, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Chantix); Anti-psychotic medications; Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); GABAergic medications; Glutamatergic medications; Any medication that could compromise participant safety as determined by the Principal Investigator and/or Study Physician. Daily use of: Opiate-containing medications for chronic pain; Benzodiazepines. Medical/Neuropsychiatric: Women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, and/or breast feeding. All female subjects will complete a urine pregnancy test at the intake visit and preceding all brain stimulation sessions (4 urine pregnancy tests in total); History of epilepsy or a seizure disorder; History of stroke; Self-reported history of brain or spinal tumor; Self-reported history or current diagnosis of psychosis, including schizophrenia, mania, bipolar disorder, major depression (subjects with a history of major depression but in remission for past 6 months are eligible). tDCS-related: Self-report of metallic objects in the face or head other than dental apparatus (e.g. braces, fillings, and implants); Self-report of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Self-report of any skull fracture or opening. General Exclusion: Any medical condition, illness, disorder, or concomitant medication that could compromise participant safety or treatment, as determined by the Principal Investigator; Low or borderline intellectual functioning - determined by a score of less than 90 on the Shipley Institute of Living Scale (SILS) (administered at Intake Visit). The SILS correlates with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) Estimated IQ Test; Inability to provide informed consent or complete any of the study tasks as determined by the Principal Investigator.
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Caryn Lerman, Ph.D.
Organizational Affiliation
University of Pennsylvania
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
University of Pennsylvania
City
Philadelphia
State/Province
Pennsylvania
ZIP/Postal Code
19104
Country
United States

12. IPD Sharing Statement

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tDCS Effects on Resisting Smoking: Dose Ranging Study

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