A Bradley Hospital Research Lab is conducting a study of a new device called DualStim. Resembling an ordinary pair of eyeglasses, the DualStim device presents sound and blinking light at specific frequencies that have been shown to improve brain function by slightly altering the brain wave activity of adolescents with ADHD. The specific aim of this study is to learn how the audio and visual signals, either alone or in combination, affect measures of cognitive performance and behavioral tasks. We also want to find out how a child’s brain responds to these sensory stimuli as measured by brain waves (electroencephalography (EEG)) and which patterns of stimulation are associated with improved performance. This research may provide greater understanding of ADHD, potentially leading to a non-drug treatment.
The study involves three visits to the Bradley Hospital Sleep Lab on Providence’s East Side. The first is a baseline visit. The second and third are stimulation visits. Visits will last for approximately 1.5 hours. Participants and an accompanying parent/guardian will be compensated for their time. Participants should take their usual stimulant medication before the first visit, but will need to be off their stimulant medication for about 24 hours before the second and third visits.
During this study, the child will wear the DualStim device that has vibrating pads attached to the earpieces and small lights attached to the rims in front of the eyes. The vibrating pads will produce different frequencies of sound and the lights will flash at different speeds. Your child will also wear an EEG cap with sensors on it. The sensors will sit on the surface of the head. Sensors are attached to an amplification device that sends the signals to a computer to allow brain activity to be recorded. Sensory stimulation with the Dual Stim device has not been associated with any serious adverse events.
Thank you for considering whether or not to have your child participate in the study.
• Children ages of 10 to 15 years
• Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Read and speak English
• Currently taking stimulant medications for ADHD
• Attending 3 lab visits of approximately 1.5 hours each
• Two visits will be after ADHD medication is not taken for 24 hours
• Brain wave recordings and behavioral tests are done
If you are interested, please contact Stephanie by emailing sleepforscience@gmail.com, or by telephone to Stephanie at 401 421-9440.