Identify the Optimal TMS Pulse Protocol to Modulate Reward Activity

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Nicotine Use Disorder

In brief

The primary goal will be to identify the optimal pulse protocol by systematically measuring the efficacy of various theta burst stimulation and repetitive rTMS protocols to increase and decrease the reward positivity in dependent smokers. The secondary objective will be to measure the protocols' effectiveness to increase decision-making capacity using the probabilistic selection task (PST). The third objective will be to specifically assess whether the TMS targets has a differential impact on state levels of craving relative to baseline (Tobacco Craving Questionnaire \[TCQ\]. The investigators plan to accomplish these three objectives using a randomized, controlled experiment involving 2 sessions.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06695884

Run by

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

People needed

42

Starts

2024-08-01

Expected to finish

2026-08-31

Last updated by the study team

2025-11-18

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 55. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Nicotine dependent individuals (according to the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test nicotine dependence score).
• 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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