Temporal interference to non-invasively stimulate deep brain regions
Temporal Interference Methods for Non-invasive Deep Brain Stimulation
Researchers will try a new non-invasive electrical stimulation method called temporal interference to see if it can safely and focally stimulate deep brain areas and change fMRI signals in healthy adults aged 18–50.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bloomington, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT07215299 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project applies temporal interference (TI) electrical stimulation while collecting fMRI BOLD signals to determine whether TI can selectively modulate activity in deep structures such as the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). The team will test different beat frequencies, compare effects across target regions, and include sham and active conditions to characterize focality and dose effects. In a second set of experiments they will apply TI to the dACC while participants perform established cognitive-control and decision-making tasks during fMRI to probe causal effects on behavior. Participants are healthy adults scanned at a single imaging center with careful MRI and safety screening.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18–50 who can undergo MRI, read and speak English, and have no history of seizures, major neurological or psychiatric disorders, metal cranial implants, or contraindicated medications.
Not a fit: People with MRI-incompatible implants, a history of seizures or psychosis, pregnant people, or those taking psychotropic or certain cancer medications would not be eligible and are unlikely to receive benefit from this early mechanistic research, which is not a therapeutic intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TI could offer a way to target deep brain regions non-invasively and help develop new treatments for disorders such as addiction, OCD, and Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Temporal interference is a relatively new technique with supportive preclinical data and a small number of human feasibility reports, but consistent focal deep-brain effects and clinical benefits in humans have not yet been established.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Bloomington, Indiana
- 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: jwmbrown@iu.edu
- Phone: 812-855-9282
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.