Effects of brain stimulation on cognitive task performance

Brain Stimulation Effects on Cognitive Task Performance

NA · Colorado State University · NCT05556655

This study tests if a type of brain stimulation can help improve attention, learning, and memory in people while they do thinking tasks.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorColorado State University (other)
Locations1 site (Fort Collins, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT05556655 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can influence cognitive functions such as attention, learning, and memory. Participants will engage in cognitive tasks while receiving either active or sham TMS to determine the optimal design parameters for measuring TMS effects on cognition. The study aims to resolve methodological issues related to task design in TMS research, using a factorial design to identify the best combination of task and TMS settings for reliable behavioral outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed individuals fluent in English without significant medical or neurological conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of seizures, significant neurological diagnoses, or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance cognitive functioning in individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions by optimizing TMS protocols.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies using TMS have shown promise in improving cognitive functions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Right-handed
* Fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of seizures or epilepsy
* Family history of epilepsy
* Significant medical or neurological diagnoses
* History of common headache or migraine
* History of common or recent syncope
* History of moderate/severe, multiple mild, or past 12 months head injury
* History of psychiatric, psychological, or neurodevelopmental disorder
* History of alcohol or recreational drug abuse or dependence
* Current visual or hearing difficulties that interfere with cognitive testing
* History of cochlear implants
* Current pregnancy
* History of metal in the head or neck (except braces and fillings)
* Current non-removable piercings in the neck or head
* History of implanted neurostimulator
* History of cardiac pacemaker or intracardiac lines
* History of medication infusion device
* Current use of medications that increase the excitability of the brain
* History of problems with TMS or MRI procedures
* History of EEG for suspected epilepsy
* Alcohol or recreational drug use in the 48 hours prior to TMS
* Inadequate sleep in the 48 hours prior to TMS
* Headache or feeling faint in the 24 hours prior to TMS.

Where this trial is running

Fort Collins, Colorado

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cognitive Function, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, TMS

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.