Using brain stimulation to enhance meditation experiences
Neuromodulation-assisted Ego-disengagement: The NEURO-EGO Study
This study is testing if brain stimulation can help experienced meditators reach deeper meditation states more easily and quickly.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06601686 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 to 55 with a consistent meditation practice.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions, or other medical issues that could complicate participation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel method for individuals to achieve the mental benefits of meditation without extensive training.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of combining brain stimulation with meditation is relatively novel, similar studies exploring brain stimulation techniques have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Madison, Wisconsin
- 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
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.