Gentle spinal stimulation to change body-to-brain signals in depression
Modulating spinal interoceptive pathways to evaluate their role and therapeutic potential in MDD symptomatic domains
This project uses gentle, non-invasive spinal stimulation to change body-to-brain signals in adults with major depressive disorder and links those changes to mood-related brain activity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167742 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you would be an adult with major depressive disorder taking part in a double-blind, crossover trial. You would receive short sessions of non-invasive transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) at different current levels or a sham (placebo) while wearing EEG sensors. Researchers will use brief laser pulses to trigger nerve signals called laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) and will measure a brain signal called the N2 component to see whether spinal stimulation changes those signals. The team will also compare tolerability across doses to find an optimal, comfortable level and plans to enroll about 67 participants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 or older with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who can travel to Cincinnati and are willing to undergo non-invasive spinal stimulation and EEG testing would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with other major medical or neurologic conditions, implanted spinal or electronic devices, or who cannot tolerate tsDCS, EEG, or laser stimuli may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a new non-invasive treatment option that improves mood by correcting disrupted body-to-brain signaling in depression.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data suggest spinal stimulation can change these body-to-brain signals, but clinical benefit for depression is largely unproven and this approach is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romo-Nava, Francisco — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Romo-Nava, Francisco
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.