Temporal interference to change thalamocortical activity and brain network connectivity
Temporal Interference for Thalamocortical Activity and Network Modulation
This trial will test whether a patterned, noninvasive electrical stimulation can temporarily change how the thalamus and cortex communicate in healthy adults during sleep and wakefulness.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07219719 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will use personalized temporal interference transcranial electrical stimulation (TI-TES) aimed at the thalamus in a within-subject, counterbalanced crossover design. Each participant completes two phases—repeated overnight stimulation during NREM sleep and repeated stimulation during quiet wakefulness—with two sessions per phase and a washout of at least four weeks between phases. Resting-state fMRI is collected before and after each phase to measure sustained changes in thalamocortical functional connectivity, and high-density EEG records sleep spindles and wake alpha as secondary, state-specific measures. Sessions include a sham control condition to compare against active TI-TES effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18–50 who are medically well, English-speaking U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who have no history of neurologic or major psychiatric conditions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with a history of seizures, epilepsy, significant head injury, unstable medical conditions, or poorly controlled headaches are unlikely to benefit and are excluded from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this method could offer a noninvasive way to modulate thalamocortical communication and inform new approaches for sleep and cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Temporal interference is a relatively novel technique with promising preclinical data and very limited early human work, but it is not yet an established clinical approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-50 * Medically healthy * U.S. citizen or holding permanent resident status * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Any current or past history of neurological disorders or acquired neurological disease (e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury), including intracranial lesions (including clinically significant findings identified in first MRI) * History of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization * History of head trauma resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness; or a history of greater than 3 grade I concussions * Current history of poorly controlled headaches including intractable or poorly controlled migraines * Any systemic illness or unstable medical condition that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.) * History of seizures, diagnosis of epilepsy, history of abnormal (epileptiform) EEG, or family history of treatment resistant epilepsy except for a single seizure of benign etiology (e.g. febrile seizures) in the judgment of a board-certified neurologist * Possible pregnancy or plan to become pregnant in the next 6 months (self reported) * Any metal in the head * Any medical devices or implants (i.e. cardiac pacemaker, medication infusion pump, cochlear implant, vagal nerve stimulator) * Dental implants * Permanent retainers * Any hair braid, dreadlocks, hair pieces, or extensions which cannot be taken out before the study sessions * Any head coverings or headdress that participant feels uncomfortable removing for the purposes of study sessions * Any medication that may alter seizure threshold taken during the study i.e., Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stimulants (Adderall, amphetamine); Tricyclic/atypical antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin, imipramine, maprotiline, nortriptyline, bupropion); SSRIs (Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline); Antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, clozapine), Bronchodilators (theophylline, aminophylline); Antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, imipenem, penicillin, cephalosporins, metronidazole, isoniazid); Antivirals (valacyclovir, ritonavir); over the counter antihistamines (diphenhydramine, Benadryl); Estradiol-based birth control * Claustrophobia (a fear of small or closed places) * Back problems that would prevent lying flat for up to two hours * Regular night-shift work (second or third shift) * Sleep apnea or other sleep disorder (self-reported)
Where this trial is running
Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin - Madison — Madison, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Larissa Albantakis, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Sean Prahl
- Email: titan@psychiatry.wisc.edu
- Phone: 262-395-8675
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.