Cerebellar stimulation to improve cognitive function and mood

Cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Cognitive Control

Not applicable Interventional University of Iowa · NCT03217110

This study is testing if a special brain stimulation can help improve thinking and mood in people with schizophrenia, autism, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson's disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Iowa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Iowa City, Iowa)
Trial IDNCT03217110 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of cerebellar stimulation to enhance cognitive deficits and mood in patients with schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson's disease. Participants will undergo repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or sham stimulation over 5 to 6 visits, with cognitive, emotional, and EEG assessments conducted throughout. The goal is to determine if modulating cerebellar activity can restore frontal brain function and improve cognitive outcomes. The study aims to provide insights into the cerebellum's role in cognitive control and emotional regulation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or Parkinson's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of recurrent seizures, other significant neurological or psychiatric disorders, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new treatment options for improving cognitive function and mood in patients with various neurological and psychiatric conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using cerebellar stimulation is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise in using transcranial magnetic stimulation for cognitive enhancement in similar populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A clinical diagnosis consistent with enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of recurrent seizures or epilepsy
* Any other neurological or psychiatric diagnosis outside the diagnosis for which the participant is enrolled.
* Active substance use disorder in the past 6 months other than tobacco use disorder.
* Inability to consent for study.
* Pacemaker
* Coronary Stent
* Defibrillator
* Neurostimulation
* Claustrophobia
* Uncontrolled high blood pressure
* Atrial fibrillation
* Significant heart disease
* Hemodynamic instability
* Kidney disease
* Pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast feeding

Where this trial is running

Iowa City, Iowa

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SchizophreniaAutism Spectrum DisorderBipolar DisorderDepressionParkinson DiseaseCerebellum
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.