Modulating Goal-directed Navigation Using Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Spatial Navigation

In brief

Our specific aim is to examine the effects of TMS on spatial processing during goal-directed navigation. In these experiments the investigators will utilize a scalp-recorded brain oscillation called right posterior theta that is believed to index the sensitivity of the parahippocampal cortex to spatial context. Here the investigators will asked whether this electrophysiological signal can be modulated up or down using TMS while participants engage in virtual navigation tasks, and if so, whether it would affect the spatial encoding of rewards and subsequent choices during task performance.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT05801861

Run by

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

People needed

60

Starts

2023-03-24

Expected to finish

2026-08-31

Last updated by the study team

2025-11-17

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 55. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Be between the ages of 18 and 55 years old.
• Not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days.
• Be in stable mental and physical health.
• If female, test non-pregnant.
• No evidence of focal or diffuse brain lesion on MRI.
• Be willing to provide informed consent.
• Be able to comply with protocol requirements and likely to complete all study procedures.

You may not qualify if…

• Contraindication to MRI (e.g., presence of metal in the skull, orbits or intracranial cavity, claustrophobia).
• 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).
• History of autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorder affecting the brain.
• History or MRI evidence of neurological disorder that would lead to local or diffuse brain lesions or significant physical impairment.
• 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 it is running

• Rutgers University - Newark — Newark, New Jersey, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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