Training the brain to enhance positive thinking using neurofeedback

Self-regulation of the MPFC Using Rt-fMRI NF Training to Enhance Positive Anticipation for Future Events

Not applicable Interventional University of Electronic Science and Technology of China · NCT06787248

This study is testing if brain training with real-time feedback can help healthy people feel more positive and motivated about future events.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chengdu, Sichuan)
Trial IDNCT06787248 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effects of real-time fMRI neurofeedback on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to improve positive anticipation in healthy individuals. A total of 60 participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving real neurofeedback or a control group receiving sham feedback. The study includes baseline and transfer sessions without feedback, along with multiple training sessions that provide real-time feedback on mPFC activity. The goal is to determine if participants can learn to control their mPFC activation and whether this control can enhance their motivation and anticipation for future events.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals without any psychiatric or neurological disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of brain injury or those with psychiatric or neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help individuals enhance their positive thinking and motivation through targeted brain training.

How similar studies have performed: While neurofeedback has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach targeting the mPFC with positive episodic future thinking is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Chengdu, Sichuan

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.
Conditions HealthyNeurofeedbackreal-time neurofeedbackepisodic future thinkingmPFC
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.