Examining the effects of choking during sex on brain function
Uncovering the Acute Neurobiological Significance of Emerging Sexual Behaviors
This study tests if choking during sex affects brain function differently than not choking for people who engage in partnered sexual activity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bloomington, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT06602362 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the acute neurobiological effects of choking during partnered sexual activity. Participants will undergo a randomized controlled crossover design, where they will experience both choking and non-choking sexual encounters. Neurological measures will be assessed through blood biomarkers and various MRI techniques at three time points: baseline, post-choking, and post-non-choking. The goal is to determine if choking during sex leads to significant changes in brain function and structure compared to non-choking encounters.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are females aged 18-30 who have engaged in choking during sex at least twice in the past month.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have a history of severe traumatic brain injury, or have neurological conditions will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the neurological impacts of choking during sexual activity, potentially informing safer sexual practices.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is relatively novel, as there is limited existing research specifically examining the neurobiological effects of choking during sexual activity.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female * Between the age of 18-30 * Proficient in English * Reports engaging in sex involving being choked at least 2 times in the past month Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant * History of moderate to severe TBI * Has had a concussion in the last 6 months * Any MRI contraindication (metal inside body near neck, face, head; metal IUD; severe claustrophobia; etc) * Neurological condition (epilepsy, neurodegenerative disease, aneurysm, tumor, SCI, etc) * Reports experiencing psychotic symptoms as measured by the Revised Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale * Reports currently taking antipsychotic medication * Reports less than 2 instances of being choked during partnered sexual events during the past month * Reports engaging in sex without choking no times in the past month (i.e. reports strictly engaging in sex involving choking in the past month)
Where this trial is running
Bloomington, Indiana
- Indiana University School of Public Health — Bloomington, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Keisuke Kawata, PhD
- Email: kkawata@iu.edu
- Phone: 8128555244
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.