Using brain stimulation to enhance meditation experiences

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to investigate whether non-invasive brain stimulation techniques can facilitate quicker and easier access to meditative states for individuals with a consistent meditation practice. Participants will undergo various interventions, including transcranial electrical stimulation and cognitive tasks, while their brain activity is monitored using a high-density electrocochleography cap. The study focuses on determining the effectiveness of different stimulation methods on ego disengagement and overall well-being compared to a sham stimulation. The first phase involves experienced meditators, with plans for a subsequent phase targeting meditation-naïve healthy adults.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults, ages 18 to 80 of any identified gender
* Medically healthy
* English-speaking (able to provide consent and complete questionnaires)
* Healthy adults with a consistent meditation practice
* Citizen or legal resident

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any current or past history of neurological disorders or acquired neurological disease (e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury), including intracranial lesions
* Any current or past history of bipolar disorder and/or hypomania
* Any current or past history of psychosis
* History of head trauma resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness; or a history of greater than 3 grade I concussions
* Current history of poorly controlled headaches including intractable or poorly controlled migraines
* Any systemic illness or unstable medical condition that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.)
* History of fainting spells of unknown or undetermined etiology that might constitute seizures
* History of seizures, diagnosis of epilepsy, history of abnormal (epileptiform) EEG, or family history of treatment resistant epilepsy with the exception of a single seizure of benign etiology (e.g. febrile seizures) in the judgment of a board-certified neurologist
* Possible pregnancy. All female participants of child-bearing age are required to have a pregnancy test
* Any metal in the brain, skull or head
* Any contraindications to MRI
* Any medical devices or implants (i.e. cardiac pacemaker, medication infusion pump, cochlear implant, vagal nerve stimulator, dental implants (this includes a permanent retainer)) unless otherwise approved by the responsible MD
* Substance abuse or dependence within the past six months
* Any medication that may alter seizure threshold i.e., ADHD stimulants (Adderall, amphetamine); Tricyclic/atypical antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Dioxepine, Imipramine Maprotiline, Nortriptyline, Bupropion); Antipsychotics (Chlorpromazine, Clozapine), Bronchodilators (theophylline, aminophylline); Antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, imipenem, penicillin, cephalosporins, metronidazole, isoniazid); Antiviral (Valacyclovir, Ritonavir); OTC (Diphenhydramine)
* Claustrophobia (a fear of small or closed places)
* Back problems that would prevent lying flat for up to two hours
* Motion sickness
* Any hair braid, dreadlocks, hair pieces, or extensions which cannot be taken out or adjusted to permit comfortable and comprehensive participation before the MRI scans and/or stimulation sessions
* Any head coverings or headdress that participant feels uncomfortable removing for the purposes of the MRI scans and/or stimulation session

Where it's running

• University of Wisconsin
  Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Melanie Boly, MD, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Study coordinator: Simone Bruno
• Email: sbruno3@wisc.edu
• Phone: 608-209-4108

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.