Investigating the Role of Brain Signals in Working Memory
Causal Role of the Aperiodic Signal for Working Memory
This study is testing how different types of brain stimulation can improve working memory in people by looking at their brain activity during memory tasks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Florida State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tallahassee, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06126809 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores how different types of brain stimulation affect working memory performance. Participants will undergo two sessions: the first involves recording brain activity while performing a working memory task, and the second involves receiving various forms of transcranial random aperiodic stimulation (tRAS) while performing the same task. The study aims to determine whether the slope of the aperiodic signal in the brain is more influential on working memory capacity than traditional low-frequency oscillations. The design is double-blinded to ensure unbiased results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 to 35 who can provide informed consent and have normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
Not a fit: Patients with ADHD, neurological disorders, or any medical conditions that could interfere with study participation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for enhancing cognitive control and working memory in individuals with executive dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on theta oscillations and working memory, this specific approach using aperiodic signals is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 18 and 35 * Able to provide informed consent * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision * Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study * Ability to speak, read and understand English without a translator * Not color-blind Exclusion Criteria: * ADHD/ADD (currently under treatment) * Neurological disorder and conditions * Medical or neurological illness or treatment for a medical disorder that could interfere with study participation, e.g., unstable cardiac disease, HIV/AIDS, malignancy, liver or renal impairment * Prior brain surgery * Any brain devices/implants, including cochlear implants and aneurysm clips * History of traumatic brain injury * (For females) Pregnant * Anything that, in the opinion of the investigator, would place the participant at increased risk or preclude the participant's full compliance with or completion of the study * Current use of medications know to produce specific EEG activity known to disrupt interpretations of the findings including but not limited to: benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, antiepileptics and central nervous system stimulants
Where this trial is running
Tallahassee, Florida
- Florida State University — Tallahassee, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Justin Riddle, PhD — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Justin Riddle, PhD
- Email: jriddle@fsu.edu
- Phone: 850-645-2389
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.