Using brain stimulation to improve navigation skills
Modulating Spatial Processing During Goal-directed Navigation Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
This study is testing if using brain stimulation can help people improve their navigation skills while they explore virtual environments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT05801861 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) affects spatial processing during goal-directed navigation tasks. Participants will engage in virtual navigation while receiving either active or sham TMS to the parietal cortex, with their brain activity monitored using EEG and MRI. The goal is to determine if modulating brain oscillations can enhance spatial encoding of rewards and influence decision-making during navigation. The study involves a randomized control design with multiple sessions over two weeks.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 to 55 who are stable in mental and physical health.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological disorders, significant brain lesions, or contraindications to MRI or TMS may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new therapies for improving navigation skills in individuals with spatial processing deficits.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of TMS in cognitive enhancement is being explored, this specific application to spatial navigation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Be between the ages of 18 and 55 years old. 2. Not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days. 3. Be in stable mental and physical health. 4. If female, test non-pregnant. 5. No evidence of focal or diffuse brain lesion on MRI. 6. Be willing to provide informed consent. 7. Be able to comply with protocol requirements and likely to complete all study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Contraindication to MRI (e.g., presence of metal in the skull, orbits or intracranial cavity, claustrophobia). 2. Contraindication to rTMS (history of neurological disorder or seizure, increased intracranial pressure, brain surgery, or head trauma with loss of consciousness for \> 15 minutes, implanted electronic device, metal in the head, or pregnancy). 3. History of autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorder affecting the brain. 4. History or MRI evidence of neurological disorder that would lead to local or diffuse brain lesions or significant physical impairment. 5. Life time history of mental disorders such as: Bipolar Affective disorder (BPAD), Schizophrenia, Post-traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) or Dementia or Major Depression. uninterruptable central nervous system medication.
Where this trial is running
Newark, New Jersey
- Rutgers University - Newark — Newark, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Travis E Baker — Rutgers University
- Study coordinator: Travis E Baker, PhD
- Email: travis.e.baker@rutgers.edu
- Phone: 973-353-5485
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.