Examining brain dynamics and cognitive effort in healthy adults
Theta-burst Stimulation Modulates Criticality and Cognitive Control
NA · Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT06344559
This study is trying to see how the brain works during tough thinking tasks and whether a special treatment can help improve brain performance in healthy young adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Piscataway, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT06344559 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates how the healthy brain operates near a critical point between order and chaos during demanding cognitive tasks. Using electroencephalography, MRI, and behavioral measures, the study aims to understand the relationship between brain flexibility and cognitive control. It also explores how transcranial magnetic stimulation can modulate brain dynamics and potentially improve cognitive performance. The research focuses on healthy young adults aged 18-45 who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy young adults aged 18-45 with no diagnosed mental or physical illnesses.
Not a fit: Patients with ongoing psychiatric conditions, brain injuries, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of cognitive processes and lead to new interventions for cognitive enhancement.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of examining brain criticality is innovative, similar studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation have shown promise in modulating cognitive functions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form 2. Stated willingness to comply with all study and availability for the duration of the study 3. Males and females; Ages 18-45 4. Healthy, neurologically normal with no diagnosed mental or physical illness 5. Willingness to adhere to the MRI and two session stimulation protocol 6. Fluent in English 7. Normal or corrected to normal vision 8. At least twelve years of education (high school equivalent) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Ongoing drug or alcohol abuse 2. Diagnosed psychiatric or mental illness 3. Currently taking psychoactive medication 4. Prior brain injury 5. Metal in body 6. History of seizures or diagnosis of epilepsy 7. Claustrophobia 8. Pregnant or possibly pregnant 9. Younger than 18 or older than 45 10. Use of medications which potentially lower the usage threshold
Where this trial is running
Piscataway, New Jersey
- Center for Advanced Human Brain Imaging Research — Piscataway, New Jersey, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: John A Westbrook, PhD — Rutgers University
- Study coordinator: John A Westbrook, PhD
- Email: andrew.westbrook@rutgers.edu
- Phone: 9193605399
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.
Conditions: Healthy