Testing a new sensor for measuring brain activity

Characterization of an Optically Pumped Magnetometer (OPM) Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Array

NA · National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT04950309

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) (nih)
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT04950309 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18-65 who have previously undergone an MRI scan under protocol 17-M-0181.

Not a fit: Patients with metal implants or those excluded from the prior MRI protocol will not benefit from this study.

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 performed: While traditional MEG has been widely used, the OPM approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

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 18-65
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 this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Normal Physiology, Imaging, biomagnetism, somatotopy, optically pumped magnetometer, Magnetoencephalography

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.