Using heart rate variability to improve brain stimulation treatments

HRV-guided tDCS: Integrating a biomarker for clinical utility

['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11161506

This study is looking at how to make brain stimulation treatments more effective for people with depression by using heart rate measurements to tailor the sessions just for you, so you can even do them at home!

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11161506 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a noninvasive brain stimulation technique, by using heart rate variability (HRV) as a biomarker. The goal is to personalize and optimize treatment sessions based on individual responses, which may lead to better outcomes for patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression. The approach includes integrating HRV monitoring into a telehealth platform, allowing for home-based administration of tDCS. By measuring HRV, researchers aim to determine the best timing and dosage for each patient, potentially improving treatment efficacy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly those related to depression.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not respond to neuropsychiatric treatments or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers to guide neurostimulation treatments, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.