Investigating brain responses to stimulation in healthy adults

Cross-validating the iTBS-induced Hemodynamic Response From fNIRS and fMRI: a Concurrent iTBS-fMRI-fNIRS Study

Observational The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT06902571

This study is trying to see how a specific brain stimulation technique affects brain activity in healthy adults using two different imaging methods.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment5 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong, Hung Hom)
Trial IDNCT06902571 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the hemodynamic response induced by intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in healthy adults. By utilizing both functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) concurrently, the research aims to cross-validate findings from both techniques to better understand the brain's response to iTBS. The study seeks to address inconsistencies in previous research by analyzing the responses in the same group of participants under controlled conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults without any history of neurological or psychiatric disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with major systemic illnesses, neurological or psychiatric disorders, or those who do not meet the health criteria will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of brain stimulation techniques, potentially improving treatments for conditions like major depressive disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies using iTBS with fNIRS and fMRI, this specific approach of cross-validating findings in healthy adults is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* healthiness based on history and psychiatric assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

* a medical history of a major systemic illness or a neurological or psychiatric disorder
* pregnancy
* common fNIRS, MRI and TMS exclusion criteria such as a history of brain surgery, head injury, cardiac pacemaker, intracranial metallic particles or a history of seizures

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong, Hung Hom

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.
Conditions Healthy Adults
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.