Synchronizing theta brain waves to influence memory

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults will receive short sessions of noninvasive electrical stimulation with a STARSTIM device in one of three conditions: in‑phase, anti‑phase, or sham. While stimulation is applied, participants will perform memory and cognitive control tasks and researchers will record brain activity to track theta oscillations. Sessions occur at Florida International University and include screening for safety exclusions such as prior head injury, seizures, implants, or scalp skin problems. The goal is to connect changes in theta synchrony with changes in task performance.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years and older
* Fluent in English
* Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
* Willing to be photographed

Exclusion Criteria:

* Must not have ever had an injury to the head that's caused you to be knocked out for a period of time (e.g., from a fall, blow to the head, road traffic accident).
* Must not have an uncorrected vision or physical disability that interferes with your ability to see stimuli presented briefly on a computer screen or click a mouse button rapidly.
* Must not have a history of epilepsy, convulsions, or seizures (except childhood febrile seizures).
* Must not have a history of fainting or syncope.
* For female participants, they must not be pregnant and/or must not think they might be pregnant.
* Must not have skin problems like eczema, dermatitis, or open wounds on the scalp.
* Must not have had prior brain surgery.
* Must not have any metal located in the head/neck (except for dental work i.e., braces, permanent retainers, etc.)
* Must not have any devices or other implants located in/near their head. This includes cochlear implants and aneurysm clips, cardiac pacemaker, or any other implanted electronic device.
* Must not have a current (active) alcohol or substance use disorder, must have no recent history of withdrawal symptoms, and must be able to safely abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed/illicit drugs for at least 24 hours before the session.
* Must not have any alcohol on the day of the session, must limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks (if legally permitted) in the prior 24 hours, and must not use any non-prescribed or illicit drugs in the 24 hours before the session.
* Must not be sick with a fever, sleep-deprived, or feel dizzy, unwell, or intoxicated.
* Must also have eaten and had fluids but not have consumed more caffeine than they typically consume.
* Must not be taking anticonvulsant/anti-epileptic drugs or have ever taken them within their lifetime.
* Must not be taking benzodiazepines or have taken them within the past 3 months.
* Must not have had a recent change (start, stop, dose change) for any psychiatric/psychotropic medications within the past 3 months.
* Must not be taking Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine, clomipramine, etc.), Antipsychotics (clozapine; chlorpromazine, haloperidol, etc.), or Tramadol or have taken them within the past 3 months.
* Must not have experienced cardiac problems, fibrillation, or have taken medications associated with cardiac conditions within the past 3 months.
* Must not meet the diagnostic threshold for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, or Psychotic Disorders.

Where it's running

• Florida International University
  Miami, Florida, United States Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.