Train the medial prefrontal cortex using imagined social support and real-time neurofeedback
Official title: Self-modulation of the mPFC Using Rt-fMRI NF Training to Improve Negative Anticipation for Future Events
Run by University of Electronic Science and Technology of China · NCT07364084 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether real-time fMRI neurofeedback that uses imagined social support helps healthy adults learn to control activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and reduce negative anticipation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chengdu, Sichuan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 10, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07364084 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults with no past or current psychiatric or neurological disorders who meet MRI safety requirements and can attend multiple in-person sessions.
✕Probably not a fit
People with psychiatric or neurological disorders, a history of brain injury, regular use of psychotropic substances, or contraindications to MRI are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial will enroll 60 healthy participants who are randomly assigned to receive real mPFC feedback or sham feedback from an unrelated brain region. The protocol includes one baseline/localizer session, four intermittent-feedback training sessions, and one transfer session without feedback; each run has five 30-second regulation blocks interleaved with baseline blocks and a brief 4-second feedback display following each regulation block. Participants use imagined social support as the regulation strategy while the system displays mean activation changes in the target or control region. Outcomes focus on whether participants can volitionally modulate mPFC activity and whether successful modulation reduces subjective negative anticipation and increases perceived control over future events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a non-drug way to reduce negative anticipation and increase a person’s sense of control over upcoming events.
How similar studies have gone: Similar real-time fMRI neurofeedback studies have shown promise in small experimental samples for modulating emotion-related brain regions but remain exploratory with mixed results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * -Healthy subjects without any past or present psychiatric or neurological disorders Exclusion Criteria: * History of brain injury * Psychiatric or Neurological Disorder * Contraindications for MRI * Regular use of psychotropic substances (medication, drugs)
Where it's running
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University of Electronic Science and Technology of China(UESTC), Chengdu, Sichuan 611731
Chengdu, Sichuan, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Benjamin Becker, Dr
- Email: ben_becker@gmx.de
- Phone: 86-28-61830670
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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.