rTMS-induced reduction in M1 excitability and its effect on motor skill consolidation
Official title: The Effects of rTMS Induced Reduction in M1 Excitability on Early-online Learning and Retention in Dexterous Video-game Task
Run by Indiana University · NCT07588113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether lowering activity in the primary motor cortex with rTMS changes how people consolidate learning after practicing a motor task like a Guitar Hero song.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 23, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 23, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 23, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07588113 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults aged 18–45 without neurological conditions affecting the upper limbs and with no contraindications to brain stimulation, who can comfortably play a video game.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with neurological conditions, significant visual impairment, or those who cannot safely undergo brain stimulation may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will use repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to temporarily reduce excitability in the primary motor cortex while participants learn a dynamic, two-handed video game task. The goal is to see how this brain modulation affects consolidation, the period after practice when skills improve. The study builds on prior work showing M1's role in consolidation for various tasks and seeks to apply it to a real-world, bimanual activity. If successful, findings could inform non-invasive brain stimulation approaches to aid motor relearning after injury. Participants will perform tasks and be assessed for changes in learning and retention under targeted brain stimulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to non-invasive methods to improve motor relearning and rehabilitation after motor impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest M1 plays a role in consolidation and that modulating excitability can affect learning, but applying this to a bimanual, real-world task is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between ages 18 and 45 years old (to avoid any changes in the developing brain, or with aging). * Answer 'no' to questions 2 through 17 on the brain stimulation questionnaire as these factors can increase likelihood of adverse events with brain stimulation. * No neurological damage, disease, or dysfunction (nerve damage, chronic pain disorders, diabetic neuropathy, epilepsy) that affect the upper limbs and limit the ability to complete the study, and/or compromise the objectives of the study * No significant visual impairment that would prevent them from playing a video game. Exclusion Criteria: * Currently prescribed and taking stimulant medication (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc.) * Consumption of over-the-counter stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine (coffee, soda, supplements, energy drinks, tobacco products, or other nicotine containing products such as gum, vape pens, etc...) 12 hours prior to entering the lab on the day of testing as this can directly affect cortical excitability. If a subject takes any of these substances 12 hours prior to the study visit they will be asked to reschedule for a later date. * Have played a real stringed instrument in the last 12 months (e.g. guitar, bass, violin) * Have played the videogame "Guitar Hero" on a traditional guitar controller in the last 12 months.
Where it's running
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National Institute for Fitness and Sport
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zachary Riley — Professor
- Study coordinator: Zachary A Riley
- Email: zariley@iu.edu
- Phone: 317-274-1487
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.