Prefrontal neuroplasticity and coping strategies in healthy adults
Prefrontal Neuroplasticity and Coping Strategies in Healthy Population: a Randomized Sham Controlled Trial
NA · The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT07433829
This study tests whether intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) to the prefrontal cortex causes immediate changes in brain activity compared to sham in healthy adults, and how stress and coping relate to those changes.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, 九龙) |
| Trial ID | NCT07433829 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, sham-controlled pilot delivers intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) to the prefrontal cortex of healthy adults while recording cortical responses with concurrent functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Investigators compare immediate PFC excitability after active versus sham iTBS and collect psychological measures including the Perceived Stress Scale and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. The trial examines relationships between baseline stress levels, coping styles, and acute neurophysiological responses to TBS. Results are intended to inform biomarkers and stimulation protocols for future work in remitted major depression.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18–60 without current or past neuropsychiatric or major systemic illnesses, no family history of psychiatric disorders, no contraindications to TMS, and no prior brain stimulation exposure.
Not a fit: People with current or past psychiatric or neurological diagnoses, systemic medical conditions, a family history of psychiatric disorders, contraindications to TMS, or prior brain stimulation exposure are not likely to be eligible or to benefit from this pilot.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify quick, noninvasive markers of prefrontal responsiveness that help tailor brain-stimulation therapies for mood disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies have shown that TBS can alter prefrontal excitability and concurrent TMS–fNIRS is an emerging method, but applying this specific protocol as a predictive pilot in healthy adults is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-60 years old; Exclusion Criteria: * a family history of psychiatric disorders; * history of or currently diagnosed neuropsychiatric conditions; * history of or active systemic illnesses such as cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension, or other medical conditions; * contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS); * any prior exposure to brain stimulation procedures.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, 九龙
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, 九龙, China (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- 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.
Conditions: Health Adult Subjects, concurrent TMS/fNIRS, prefrontal cortex, stress