How peripheral nerves respond to electrical and magnetic stimulation
Official title: Peripheral Nerve Activation Sensitivity to Electromagnetic and Electrical Stimulation in the Upper Arm
Run by Bern University of Applied Sciences · NCT07160413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test different electrical, magnetic, and temporal‑interference stimulations on healthy adults to see how sensitive peripheral nerves are and how coil placement affects activation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Bern University of Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Biel, Biel) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07160413 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are healthy adults over 18 who can provide informed consent, have no implanted metal or electronic devices, no neurological or seizure disorders, and are willing to attend visits at the study site.
✕Probably not a fit
People with implanted devices, existing neurological or neuromuscular conditions, a history of seizures, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or tattoos on the stimulated arm are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from the study findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Healthy adult volunteers will receive a series of peripheral nerve stimulations using electric, electromagnetic, and temporal interference methods. Investigators will vary coil type and coil placement relative to the nerve while recording nerve activation and response thresholds. The study focuses on mapping how placement and stimulation modality influence maximal nerve activation in the arm. Participants must meet strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to reduce risk, including no implanted devices, no neurological disorders or seizure history, and no tattoos on the stimulated arm.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could help optimize stimulation methods and coil placement to make peripheral nerve therapies more effective and safer.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that peripheral electrical and magnetic stimulation can reliably elicit nerve responses, while temporal interference stimulation is a newer approach with limited human outcome data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Person aged \> 18 years * Signed informed consent * Healthy * Willingness and ability to adhere to study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Known hypersensitivity to electric or electromagnetic stimulation * Any implanted metal or electronic device in the upper body (except dental work such as fillings or braces), e.g., active medical devices, metal implants * Neurological or neuromuscular disorders or conditions * History of seizures or epilepsy * Current treatment with drugs that lower seizure threshold (e.g., certain analgesics, methylxanthines, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, anesthetics) * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Surgical intervention of the arm within the last 4 weeks * Allergy to adhesives or ultrasound gel components (e.g., polyethylene glycols) * Skin lesions, infections, or strictures in the arm region * Tattoos on the stimulated (right) arm and hand, or in any area likely to be captured in video recordings * Inability to follow study procedures (e.g., due to language barrier, psychological disorders, dementia) * Participant deprived of liberty by administrative or judicial decision or under legal guardianship
Where it's running
-
Institute for Human Centered Engineering HuCE
Biel, Biel, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Thomas Niederhauser, PhD
- Email: thomas.niederhauser@bfh.ch
- Phone: +41 32 321 67 63
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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.