Noninvasive temporal interference stimulation of deep brain regions
Temporal Interference Methods for Non-invasive Deep Brain Stimulation
This study will test whether temporal interference electrical stimulation can safely and focally stimulate deep brain areas and change fMRI signals in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bloomington, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT07339072 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers apply pairs of alternating currents at slightly different frequencies to create a beat (temporal interference) intended to stimulate deep targets such as the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) while minimizing effects on overlying cortex. Participants are healthy adults who undergo active and sham stimulation (e.g., 5 Hz and 10 Hz beat conditions) during functional MRI to measure BOLD signal changes. The trial compares focality and dose (beat frequency) across targets and uses cognitive tasks during dACC stimulation to test effects on cognitive control and related behaviors. The protocol includes safety and tolerability monitoring and excludes people with neurological disorders, implants, or MRI contraindications. Results will inform whether TI can be used as a noninvasive tool to manipulate deep-brain activity in humans.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are healthy English-speaking adults aged 18–50 with no history of seizures, significant neurological or psychiatric disorders, no metal implants, and who pass MRI safety screening.
Not a fit: People with a history of epilepsy, migraines, head trauma, psychosis-like symptoms, metal or cranial implants, pregnancy, or who take psychotropic or cancer medications are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TI could provide a noninvasive way to target deep brain regions and eventually lead to new treatments for disorders like addiction, OCD, and Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical and modeling work has shown TI can modulate deep brain activity, but human fMRI evidence is limited and this study provides early human validation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 18 and 50 * Must have at least a 6th grade education * Ability to speak and read English for all phases Exclusion Criteria: * Currently taking psychotropic medications for ADHD, other mental illness, or medications for cancer * History of epilepsy or seizure disorders * History of migraines or other neurological syndromes * History of AIDS (due to potential cognitive deficits) * History of head trauma or cognitive impairments * Personal experiences consistent with symptoms of psychosis (e.g., hallucinations, delusions of control or special powers) * History of skull defects (e.g., holes bored into the skull or known cranial fissures) * Metal implants in the head or under the scalp * Does not meet fMRI safety screening criteria (e.g., metal implants in the body, permanent jewelry, tattoos on the head or neck) * Uses an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control and cannot provide documentation to verify MRI safety * Pregnancy (self-reported; no pregnancy test administered) * Weight over 440 lbs (scanner weight limit) * Presence of pacemakers
Where this trial is running
Bloomington, Indiana
- Indiana University Bloomington, Imaging Research Facility — Bloomington, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joshua W Brown, PhD — Indiana University, Bloomington
- Study coordinator: Joshua W Brown, PhD
- Email: jwmbrown@iu.edu
- Phone: 812-855-9282
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.