Understanding how brain stimulation affects brain connectivity
Novel electric-field modelling approach to quantify changes in resting state functional connectivity following theta burst stimulation
This study is looking at how a safe brain stimulation method called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) changes the way different parts of the brain connect with each other, and it’s for healthy volunteers who will try out different levels of this treatment to help us understand its effects better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10857249 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, alters brain connectivity patterns. By developing a comprehensive model that uses electric-field estimates, the study aims to predict changes in brain connectivity after TMS treatment. The research will involve healthy volunteers receiving different doses of theta burst stimulation to validate the model's predictions. This approach seeks to provide a clearer understanding of the effects of TMS on the brain at a whole-brain level.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are healthy volunteers who are interested in participating in brain stimulation studies.
Not a fit: Patients with existing neurological or psychiatric conditions may not benefit directly from this research as it focuses on healthy individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved TMS treatment protocols for mental health disorders, enhancing patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in using TMS for various mental health conditions, but this approach to modeling connectivity changes is novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balderston, Nicholas Lee — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Balderston, Nicholas Lee
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.