Enhancing brain stimulation effects through active engagement

State Dependence of Prefrontal Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

PHASE4 · University of Minnesota · NCT05962385

This study is testing if doing mental tasks while receiving brain stimulation can improve how well the treatment works for people with mental functioning issues.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota (other)
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05962385 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how the benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on mental functioning can be improved when participants are actively engaging specific brain networks during the stimulation. Participants will undergo two sessions where they will perform either a cognitive or perceptual task while receiving TMS. The study aims to measure changes in brain function using EEG to assess the effectiveness of this approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18 to 65 without any psychiatric or neurological disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed psychiatric disorders, neurological conditions, or contraindications to TMS or EEG will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for enhancing cognitive functions through targeted brain stimulation.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of combining active engagement with TMS is novel, similar studies have shown promising results in enhancing cognitive functions through brain stimulation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 - 65,
* healthy controls

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed psychiatric disorder
* Potential contraindications to EEG (e.g. visible scalp abrasions, non-removable hair extensions and/or hair styling that would impede proper EEG recording)
* Potential contraindication to TMS (as identified by the TMS safety screener)
* Any previous adverse reaction to TMS or MRI
* Diagnosed epilepsy or previously experienced a seizure
* Diagnosed neurological condition, such as stroke or tinnitus
* Experienced a head trauma that was diagnosed as concussion
* Current use of, or recent withdrawal from, medications that can increase the risk of seizure
* Currently pregnant
* Any metal in the head (excluding mouth)
* Any implanted medical device

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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: 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.