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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for major depression - Interim analysis of cloud supervised technical
U Kumpf1, M Stadler2, C Plewnia3
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.
Brain Stimulation
|August 15, 2021
Summary
Centralized monitoring of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) technical data in major depressive disorder (MDD) trials is feasible. This ensures quality control and safety for multicenter tDCS studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Medical Engineering
Background:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows promise for treating major depressive disorder (MDD).
- Large-scale multicenter trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
- Standardized technical parameter monitoring is crucial for multicenter tDCS applications.
Discussion:
- This study presents an interim analysis of supervised technical data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) for MDD.
- Continuous monitoring of impedance, voltage, and current during tDCS sessions was performed.
- Data analysis was conducted without compromising study blinding.
Key Insights:
- Variability in impedance was observed both between and within individuals but did not differ significantly across study centers.
- Centralized data storage via a data cloud facilitated remote supervision.
- Feasible methods for measuring and storing tDCS technical parameters were established.
Outlook:
- The proposed system of centralized data storage and remote supervision is recommended for future multicenter RCTs involving therapeutic tDCS.
- This approach enhances safety and quality control in multicenter tDCS research.
- Further research can build upon these methods to refine tDCS protocols for MDD treatment.
