Testing a new sensor for measuring brain activity
Official title: Characterization of an Optically Pumped Magnetometer (OPM) Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Array
Run by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT04950309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new sensor to see if it can measure brain activity better than traditional methods in healthy adults aged 18-65.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 12, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2032 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2032 |
| Registry record updated | October 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04950309 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18-65 who have previously undergone an MRI scan under protocol 17-M-0181.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with metal implants or those excluded from the prior MRI protocol will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop and evaluate a novel optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) array for measuring the magnetic fields generated by brain activity. Participants, aged 18-65 and in good health, will undergo sessions using both traditional magnetoencephalography (MEG) and the new OPM system. The primary objectives include characterizing the performance of the OPM array and demonstrating its ability to accurately map brain activity related to finger movements. The study will compare the OPM's performance to that of conventional MEG systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more precise brain imaging techniques, enhancing our understanding of brain function.
How similar studies have gone: While traditional MEG has been widely used, the OPM approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form 2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study 3. Male or female, aged 18-70 4. In good general health as evaluated according to protocol 17-M-0181 5. Completed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan under 17-M-0181 EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: 1. Participants excluded from 17-M-0181 will be excluded from this protocol 2. Metal in the body which would cause artifacts on MEG recordings
Where it's running
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Allison C Nugent, Ph.D. — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Study coordinator: Anna M Namyst
- Email: anna.namyst@nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 402-2445
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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.