Overview:
We are investigating the effects of yoga, meditation, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a form of brain stimulation, on the brain and cognition. Previous research has linked all three activities with various cognitive and mood changes, but their full extent is still unknown.
This will be the first study to date to explore the impact of joint yoga/meditation-neurostimulation intervention. To the best of our knowledge this will be the first study to date to use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to investigate the acute state markers of either a meditation intervention or a tDCS intervention.
A yoga/meditation and tDCS intervention may yield a synergistic effect on clinical health parameters and neurophysiological markers. Moreover, the combined intervention might bear tremendous clinical potential given the accessibility and tolerability of both modalities.
Eligibility:
We are recruiting males aged 18-35 with 2 years or more yoga experience and who practice yoga at least 2 times a week. We are looking for healthy individuals with no history of mental or neurological illness and substance abuse.
What the study involves:
The study consists of 3 visits across three weeks, with each visit being 4 hours. Two visits will involve yoga sessions with a trained instructor, and one will be a meditation session. During every session, you will receive tDCS, which uses very low electric current to modulate brain firing. tDCS is considered safe with minimal risks.
In addition, you will receive three types of brain scans to help us determine changes before and after the yoga or meditation sessions: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy(NIRS), Electroencephalography (EEG), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). All three scans are considered safe and are outlined in detail on the consent form.
Contact:
Please contact the study coordinator for further information:
Email: Ninet Research Study
Phone: 604-822-7308