Adaptive mapping of stimulation–response curves with Bayesian modeling
Official title: Enhancing Speed and Accuracy of Motor Evoked Potential Recruitment Curve Analysis Using Hierarchical Bayesian Modeling
Run by Columbia University · NCT07561372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a real-time Bayesian method to map how magnetic or electrical stimulation affects muscle responses in healthy adults using fewer measurements.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 14 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 25, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07561372 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults without neurological disorders, history of seizures, autonomic dysfunction, metal implants, prior neurosurgery, or use of seizure‑threshold lowering medications.
✕Probably not a fit
People with neurological conditions, a seizure history, autonomic dysfunction, metal implants, prior neurosurgery, or on seizure‑risk medications are excluded and will not directly benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will compare several computer-guided sampling algorithms (uniform sampling, expected information gain, focused EIG/variance-reduction, ML-PEST) while delivering transcranial magnetic or spinal stimulation and recording muscle responses. A hierarchical Bayesian model will run in real time to choose the next stimulation intensity to estimate the full neural recruitment curve or specific parameters like motor threshold with fewer samples. Experiments will use the MagPro X100 TMS device in healthy adult participants and benchmark the proposed approach against existing methods. Primary outcomes include accuracy of curve estimates, number of stimuli required, and overall experimental efficiency.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this method could reduce the number of stimulations and time needed to characterize neural recruitment, lowering participant burden and speeding research that informs therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Hierarchical Bayesian and adaptive sampling approaches have shown promise in simulations and some pilot experiments, but real-time application in human neurostimulation across multiple algorithms is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adult volunteers aged 18 years and older. * Able to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * 1\. History of adverse reaction to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or non-invasive neurostimulation. * 2\. History of seizures, epilepsy, or family history of epilepsy. * 3\. History of stroke, brain injury, or illness causing brain injury. * 4\. History of head injury or neurosurgery. * 5\. History of neurological diseases, or central nervous system lesions. * 6\. Presence of metallic implants or foreign bodies in the head (outside of dental work/fillings). * 7\. Presence of implanted electronic or medical devices (e.g., cardiac pacemakers, medical pumps, implanted stimulators). * 8\. Current pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy. * 9\. Currently taking medications that alter cortical excitability or lower seizure threshold.
Where it's running
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Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James R McIntosh, PhD — Columbia University
- Study coordinator: James R McIntosh, PhD
- Email: jrm2263@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: +19294352335
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.