Effect of brain stimulation on stress response in healthy individuals

Biological, Neuropsychological and Electrophysiological Effect of Transcranial Alternative Current Stimulation at Alpha Frequency (α-tACS) on Stressed Healthy Subjects

NA · Hôpital le Vinatier · NCT06229002

This study tests if a type of brain stimulation can help healthy people manage stress better by looking at how it affects their stress hormone levels during a stress test.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorHôpital le Vinatier (other)
Locations1 site (Bron, AURA)
Trial IDNCT06229002 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at alpha frequency on the stress response in healthy individuals. Participants will undergo a standardized stress test while receiving tACS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The primary goal is to assess how this stimulation affects cortisol reactivity, a key indicator of stress response, as well as other relevant biological and neuropsychological parameters. The study aims to enhance understanding of the relationship between brain activity and stress management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed men and women aged 18 to 45 who are French speakers and readers.

Not a fit: Patients with current psychiatric disorders, recent traumatic events, or those taking psychotropic medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new non-invasive methods for managing stress and improving mental health.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of tACS is gaining interest, this specific application in healthy stressed subjects is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Right-handed Men and Women aged between 18 and 45
* If woman, hormonal contraception required
* Having given their written informed consent
* Affiliated with a social security scheme
* French speakers and readers

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to the exposure to exposure to tACS
* Current psychiatric disorder as classified in the DSM-5
* Regular intake of any psychotropic drug or Beta Blocker
* Recent exposure to a traumatic event
* Any debilitating condition making the experimental procedure not feasible
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Bron, AURA

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Healthy

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.