Effects of brain stimulation on motor cortex plasticity
Spaced iTBS: Effects on Plasticity in the Motor Cortex
This study is testing different ways of using brain stimulation to see which method helps healthy adults improve their brain's ability to change and adapt.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06735794 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the impact of different protocols of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on brain plasticity in healthy, right-handed individuals aged 18 to 50. The study compares the effects of compressed iTBS, spaced iTBS, and sham iTBS to determine which protocol is more effective in enhancing brain plasticity. By applying magnetic pulses to the scalp, the researchers aim to observe changes in brain activity and connectivity. The findings could provide insights into optimizing brain stimulation techniques for potential therapeutic applications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy, right-handed individuals aged 18 to 50 years.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 18 to 50 years, those with a history of mental disorders, or those currently taking psychotropic medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved brain stimulation protocols that enhance brain plasticity, potentially benefiting treatments for conditions like depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with iTBS in enhancing brain plasticity, but this specific comparison of spaced versus compressed iTBS is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18 years or above, and less than 51 years. 2. Right handedness, assessed using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI). 3. Sufficiently proficient in English to complete the required study assessments, as per investigator judgement. 4. Willingness and capacity to provide informed consent. 5. Willingness to comply with all study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Age 17 years or less, or greater than 51 years, as brain plasticity is known to be affected by age. 2. Current use of any psychotropic medications (e.g. anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, anti-psychotics, etc.). 3. Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), as per investigator judgment. 4. Lifetime history of any Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnosis, assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5), except simple phobias. 5. Left handed or ambidextrous, assessed using the EHI, to minimize the heterogeneity in cortical excitability and plasticity. 6. Self-reported history of seizures and/or other major neurological conditions, as per investigator judgement, due to the risk of seizures associated with TMS in individuals with a heightened risk.
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christoph Zrenner, MD
- Email: christoph.zrenner@camh.ca
- Phone: 416-535-8501
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.