Non-invasive brain stimulation targeting specific brain regions
Neuromodulation With Transcranial Pulse Stimulation of the Anterior Insula Cortex and Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Single-blind, Three-arm, Sham-controlled, Pilot Trial
This study is testing a new non-invasive brain stimulation technique to see if it can improve thinking, behavior, and emotions in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hung Hom, Kowloon) |
| Trial ID | NCT06635161 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) on the anterior insula cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex in healthy adults. It employs a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled design to assess how TPS can modulate cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functions, as well as the functional connectivity of brain circuits. The study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of this novel non-invasive brain stimulation technique, which has shown promise in treating neuropsychiatric disorders in previous trials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18 to 65 who can understand and follow instructions.
Not a fit: Patients with major internal diseases, neurological or mental disorders, or those with contraindications for brain stimulation will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into new non-invasive treatment options for cognitive and emotional disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While TPS has shown beneficial effects in other conditions like Alzheimer's and depression, this specific application targeting the dACC and AIC is novel and has not been previously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 65 * Biological and mental health, based on a clinical interview * Able to understand and follow instructions by the study team Exclusion Criteria: * Major internal diseases, neurological disorders, or mental disorders * Having a metal implant in the brain * Corticosteroid treatment within 6 weeks prior to inclusion * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Common NIBS and MRI exclusion criteria, such as a history of brain surgery, cardiac pacemaker, deep brain stimulation, and intracranial metallic particles * Previous TPS experience * Color blindness
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Hung Hom, Kowloon
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Georg S Kranz, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Georg Kranz, PhD
- Email: georg.kranz@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: +85227664838
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.