RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Does Stress Change EEG Measures in Students: A Feasibility Study

This research project is exploring how stress might affect brain activity in students. Specifically, it's looking at chiropractic students in Scotland during a university semester. Many students feel more stressed as their studies progress, and while questionnaires can show this, they don't give objective information. This study uses a method called electroencephalography (EEG), which measures brain waves, to see if there are measurable changes related to stress. It's a 'feasibility study,' meaning it's a smaller, initial step to see if this approach works well enough to plan a larger study in the future. Participants will have their brain activity and stress levels checked at different times throughout the semester.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Scotland College of Chiropractic

Enrolment target

Start

15 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2025

Electroencephalogram Stress

What is this study about?

This research project is trying to understand how stress affects our brains. Many people experience stress, especially students as their university terms go on. While we can ask people how stressed they feel using questionnaires, these don't give a physical or objective measurement of stress. This study is using a special technique called electroencephalography, or EEG, which measures electrical activity in the brain. Previous research has suggested that EEG could potentially show signs of stress and even help tell different stress levels apart.

This specific study is a small, initial step, often called a 'feasibility study.' It's like a pilot project to see if using EEG to measure stress in chiropractic students over a university semester is practical and provides useful information. The findings from this small study will help the researchers design a larger, more detailed study in the future. They suspect that as the semester gets busier and potentially more stressful, there might be changes in the students' brain activity that the EEG can pick up.

To do this, the study will involve observing a small group of students and asking them to complete questionnaires about their stress levels. They will also have their brain activity measured using EEG at three different points during the semester: at the beginning, in the middle, and towards the end. This will help the researchers see if there are any patterns or changes in brain activity that could be linked to stress as the semester progresses.

Key takeaways

This study explores how stress affects brain activity in students.
It uses EEG (brainwave test) and questionnaires to measure stress.
Participants will have three visits over a university semester.
It's a small study to help plan bigger research in the future.
Only healthy Scottish chiropractic Master's students can participate.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be a healthy chiropractic student in Scotland who is currently studying for a Master's degree. It's important that you understand what the study involves and can follow the procedures.

Unfortunately, if you have been diagnosed with any mental health condition in the past, you won't be able to take part in this specific study. The researchers are looking for participants who are generally healthy and don't have existing mental health diagnoses at the time of the study.

Both male and female students aged 18 and over are welcome to consider participating.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a chiropractic student in Scotland?
Are you currently studying for a Master's degree?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you *not* been diagnosed with a mental health condition?
Do you feel you understand what the study involves?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, your participation will involve three visits spread out over a university semester. These visits will happen at the beginning, middle, and towards the end of the semester, with at least four weeks between each visit.

At each visit, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your stress levels. You will also have an EEG test, which involves placing sensors on your head to measure brain activity. During the EEG, you'll spend some time resting with your eyes closed and some time with your eyes open. You'll also do a short task on a computer, called the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST), which is designed to create a mild amount of stress, while your brain activity is being recorded.

The entire process of data collection for all participants is expected to last about 16 weeks from when the first person joins.

Potential risks and benefits

This study aims to provide valuable information that could help us better understand and potentially manage stress in students in the future. While this specific study is for research, your participation helps advance scientific knowledge. The procedures involved, such as filling out questionnaires and having an EEG, are generally considered very safe and non-invasive. The MIST task is designed to induce mild stress, which you might find a little uncomfortable, but it's temporary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or your studies.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Scotland College of Chiropractic
Verified postcode
Edinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an EEG and will it hurt?

An EEG (electroencephalography) measures brain waves using small sensors placed on your scalp. It's a completely painless and safe procedure, similar to listening to your heart with a stethoscope.

How long will each visit take?

The study does not specify the exact duration of each visit, but it will include completing a questionnaire and undergoing an EEG measurement and a computer task. The EEG recording itself involves several short phases.

What is the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST)?

The MIST is a computer-based task often used in research to create a controlled, mild stressful situation. It usually involves mental arithmetic under time pressure and with feedback.

Will I find out my stress levels or EEG results?

This study is for research purposes to understand general patterns. The information gathered from individuals is usually combined to look for overall trends, and individual results are typically not shared.

Can I take part if I'm not a chiropractic student?

No, this study is specifically looking for Scottish chiropractic students who are enrolled in a Master's level course to make sure the group is consistent for research purposes.

How to find out more

Alice Cade, BSc, BSc(chiro), MHSc, PhD

alice@scotlandcollegechiro.ac.uk +4401313320063 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.