Trans-spinal magnetic stimulation to modulate cortical excitability in healthy adults
Effects of Trans-spinal Magnetic Stimulation on Cortical Excitability in Healthy Individuals
We test whether different frequencies and intensities of trans‑spinal magnetic stimulation change motor cortex excitability in healthy adults aged 18–40.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Recife, Pernambuco) |
| Trial ID | NCT07026760 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind crossover trial applies trans‑spinal magnetic stimulation at the C7 level using three frequencies (1, 10, 25 Hz) and three intensities (90%, 100%, 110% of resting motor threshold) across sequential phases. Healthy, right‑handed adults undergo pre‑ and post‑intervention measurements of motor‑evoked potentials (MEP), intracortical inhibition (ICI), and intracortical facilitation (ICF). Statistical comparisons will use ANOVA or Friedman tests to determine whether neuromodulatory effects vary by stimulation parameters. The protocol is approved by the Federal University of Pernambuco ethics committee and data will be stored securely.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are healthy, right‑handed adults aged 18–40 (women using consistent contraception) with no neurological or musculoskeletal diagnoses, no seizure history, and no disqualifying metallic implants.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant, have a history of seizures, have metallic implants in the head/spine/face/heart, have diagnosed neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, or use substances that alter nervous system excitability are excluded and unlikely to gain direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify optimal stimulation parameters to guide noninvasive neuromodulation approaches for neurological rehabilitation.
How similar studies have performed: Prior transcranial and some trans‑spinal magnetic stimulation work shows that noninvasive stimulation can alter cortical excitability, but parameter‑specific effects for TsMS are still relatively novel and incompletely established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Healthy adults aged 18-40 years, of both sexes; right-handed (confirmed via the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory); and for women, consistent use of contraceptive medication to mitigate hormonal influences on nervous system excitability. Exclusion Criteria: Pregnancy; history of seizures or epilepsy; metallic implants in the head, spine, face, or heart; diagnosed neurological or musculoskeletal conditions that could interfere with assessments or interventions; or use of substances that alter nervous system excitability.
Where this trial is running
Recife, Pernambuco
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco — Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kátia Monte-Silva
- Email: lana.ufpe@gmail.com
- Phone: +55 81 21267579
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.