Temporal Interference Brain Stimulation to Probe Deep Structures
Official title: Temporal Interference Methods for Non-invasive Deep Brain Stimulation
Run by Indiana University · NCT07594795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation method (temporal interference) to see if it can modulate deep brain activity and related cognitive control tasks in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bloomington, Indiana) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07594795 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults aged 18-50 who are fluent in English and meet MRI safety criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with epilepsy, migraines, metal head implants, or other MRI contraindications, or those on certain psychotropic medications, may not benefit and are excluded.
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 temporal interference stimulation to target deep brain regions like the nucleus accumbens and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex while measuring brain activity with fMRI. The study is split into aims to characterize how TI affects BOLD signals and to test causal theories about the dACC's role in cognitive control and related behaviors. Participants will undergo multiple TI conditions, including active and sham stimulation, at different frequencies, during task performance in the MRI scanner. Safety, tolerability, and focality to deep structures without cortical disruption will be evaluated across sessions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TI could enable precise, non-invasive modulation of deep brain activity that informs treatment approaches for conditions involving these circuits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous methods struggle to reach deep brain structures non-invasively; this approach is exploratory but builds on TI concepts that have shown potential in targeting deep regions in early studies.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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: cclab@iu.edu
- Phone: 812-855-9282
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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.