Exploring brain stimulation effects using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Intra- and Interindividual Moderators of Prefrontal Excitability Investigated Using Simultaneous TMS With Neuroimaging
Run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT06976879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how a type of brain stimulation affects brain activity in healthy adults to help us understand more about mental health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 21, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | May 16, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06976879 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-60 who do not have any current or past psychiatric or neurological illnesses.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with current internal illnesses, psychiatric or neurological conditions, or those who have used psychotropic medications may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the effects of brain stimulation on prefrontal excitability in healthy adults using a novel TMS-compatible MRI system. The research aims to map both local and remote neural effects of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS), a non-invasive treatment known for its efficacy in mental disorders. By utilizing advanced imaging technology, the study seeks to enhance our understanding of brain function and potentially develop objective markers for mental health conditions. The research is conducted at the University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, led by Dr. Georg Kranz.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and prognostic tools for mental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using TMS with neuroimaging is established, this specific application with advanced technology is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * consider yourself healthy in general and aged 18-60 Exclusion Criteria: * current internal illness; * current or former psychiatric or neurological illness; * current or former alcohol or substance abuse; * current or previous use of any psychotropic medication; * current or previous use of any illicit drug; * any ferromagnetic metal in your body; * known or possible pregnancy, including the situation when the first day of a * female's last menstrual period was more than 28 days ago; or * any contraindication to TMS as assessed by Rossi et al.'s (2011) screening questionnaire.
Where it's running
-
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Georg S Kranz, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Georg S Kranz, PhD
- Email: georg.kranz@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 27664838
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.