Transcranial Electrical Stimulation for Language Learning
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study investigates whether transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) delivered during structured language-learning sessions affects the rate and quality of second-language acquisition in adults.
Adults who are learning or planning to learn a new language are randomly assigned in equal numbers to receive either active stimulation or sham (placebo) stimulation while completing structured language-learning content. Participants wear a non-invasive transcranial electrical stimulation headset that delivers a low-level electrical current through electrodes resting on the scalp, targeting cortical regions associated with language. Sessions typically last 20 to 30 minutes and may be completed at home or in person at a participating language program.
Language proficiency is measured with a standardized assessment before and after the intervention period, with additional app-derived performance metrics and participant-reported measures collected throughout. A follow-up assessment may be conducted up to 12 months after the intervention ends to evaluate whether any observed effects persist.
In this study the device is applied as a learning aid in healthy adults. It is not used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Alec Sheffield, PhD
Principal Investigator
General Neuro Inc.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy adults who are learning or planning to learn a new language. Participants should not have any major health issues that would prevent them from safely using a non-invasive brain stimulation device.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either active or sham transcranial electrical stimulation during structured language-learning sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with a follow-up assessment up to 12 months after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES)
Trial Overview
The study tests whether wearing a headset that delivers mild electrical currents (active tES) during language lessons helps adults learn a new language better, compared to wearing the same headset with no real stimulation (sham). Participants are randomly assigned to either group.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Participants receive active transcranial electrical stimulation delivered through a non-invasive scalp-mounted headset while completing structured language-learning content. Stimulation amplitude and session duration are selected per cohort from the declared parameter envelope, with current ramping at session start and end. Sessions are typically 20 to 30 minutes.
Participants receive sham stimulation through the same non-invasive scalp-mounted headset while completing the same structured language-learning content. Sham provides the sensory experience of stimulation onset without sustained current delivery. The specific validated sham approach is selected and documented per cohort.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
General Neuro Inc.
Lead Sponsor
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