Neuromodulation-assisted Ego-disengagement (NEURO-EGO Stage 2)
Neuromodulation-assisted Ego-disengagement: The NEURO-EGO Study
This trial tests whether short sessions of non-invasive brain stimulation can help healthy adults new to meditation enter a meditative, ego-disengaged state more quickly and improve openness and wellbeing.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06601699 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Stage 2 applies the stimulation amplitude and posteromedial cortex targeting identified in earlier stages to meditation‑naïve healthy adults. Participants complete questionnaires, perform a guided meditation task called the Bell Task while wearing a high‑density EEG (hdEEG) cap, and receive one of two forms of transcranial electrical stimulation (TES or TES with temporal interference, TES‑TI). Researchers will record acute EEG responses during stimulation and follow participants longitudinally to track changes in ego‑disengagement, openness, and wellbeing. The protocol also tests whether topical anesthetic use changes the EEG response evoked by stimulation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are medically healthy, English‑speaking adults age 18–80 who are meditation‑naïve, citizens or legal residents, and have no history of neurological disease, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or uncontrolled migraines.
Not a fit: People with prior or current neurological disorders, bipolar disorder or psychosis, significant head trauma, poorly controlled headaches or systemic illnesses that raise seizure risk, or those unable to travel to the site or tolerate EEG/stimulation are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a fast, non‑drug way to help people reach meditative states and potentially increase openness and overall wellbeing.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary research with non‑invasive brain stimulation has shown effects on self‑related processing and cortical activity, but TES‑TI and deliberate induction of ‘ego‑disengagement’ remain experimental with limited confirmatory evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults, ages 18 to 80 of any identified gender * Medically healthy * English-speaking (able to provide consent and complete questionnaires) * Healthy adults who are meditation-naïve * Citizen or legal resident Exclusion Criteria: * Any current or past history of neurological disorders or acquired neurological disease (e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury), including intracranial lesions * Any current or past history of bipolar disorder and/or hypomania * Any current or past history of psychosis * History of head trauma resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness; or a history of great than 3 grade I concussions * Current history of poorly controlled headaches including intractable or poorly controlled migraines * Any systemic illness or unstable medical condition that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.) * History of fainting spells of unknown or undetermined etiology that might constitute seizures * History of seizures, diagnosis of epilepsy, history of abnormal (epileptiform) EEG, or family history of treatment resistant epilepsy with the exception of a single seizure of benign etiology (e.g. febrile seizures) in the judgment of a board-certified neurologist * Possible pregnancy. All female participants of child-bearing age are required to have a pregnancy test * Any metal in the brain, skull or head * Any contraindications to MRI * Any medical devices or implants (i.e. cardiac pacemaker, medication infusion pump, cochlear implant, vagal nerve stimulator, dental implants (this includes a permanent retainer)) unless otherwise approved by the responsible MD * Substance abuse or dependence within the past six months * Any medication that may alter seizure threshold i.e., ADHD stimulants (Adderall, amphetamine); Tricyclic/atypical antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Dioxepine, Imipramine Maprotiline, Nortriptyline, Bupropion); Antipsychotics (Chlorpromazine, Clozapine), Bronchodilators (theophylline, aminophylline); Antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, imipenem, penicillin, cephalosporins, metronidazole, isoniazid); Antiviral (Valacyclovir, Ritonavir); OTC (Diphenhydramine) * Claustrophobia (a fear of small or closed places) * Back problems that would prevent lying flat for up to two hours * Having experienced a traumatic event that caused lasting distress or required treatment * Motion sickness * Any hair braid, dreadlocks, hair pieces, or extensions which cannot be taken out or adjusted to permit comfortable and comprehensive participation before the MRI scans and/or stimulation sessions * Any head coverings or headdress that participant feels uncomfortable removing for the purposes of the MRI scans and/or stimulation session
Where this trial is running
Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin — Madison, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melanie Boly, MD, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Simone Bruno
- Email: sbruno3@wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-209-4108
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.