rTMS Induced Reduction in M1 Excitability

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Cortical Excitability, Primary Motor Cortex, Motor Skills

In brief

When learning a new skill, much of the improvement comes from small alterations the brain makes with each repetition during practice, but this isn't the only time that improvements are made during the learning process. Individuals also get better at the motor skills during the time between practices, through a process called "consolidation." It is known that an area of the brain called the primary motor cortex is involved in learning during active practice, but the investigators want to study if the primary motor cortex is important for consolidation. The investigators will examine how lowering the activity in this brain region affects your ability to consolidate learning to play a song on the videogame Guitar Hero.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07588113

Run by

Indiana University

People needed

32

Starts

2026-04-23

Expected to finish

2027-04-23

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-01

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 45. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Between ages 18 and 45 years old (to avoid any changes in the developing brain, or with aging).
• Answer 'no' to questions 2 through 17 on the brain stimulation questionnaire as these factors can increase likelihood of adverse events with brain stimulation.
• No neurological damage, disease, or dysfunction (nerve damage, chronic pain disorders, diabetic neuropathy, epilepsy) that affect the upper limbs and limit the ability to complete the study, and/or compromise the objectives of the study
• No significant visual impairment that would prevent them from playing a video game.

You may not qualify if…

• Currently prescribed and taking stimulant medication (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc.)
• Consumption of over-the-counter stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine (coffee, soda, supplements, energy drinks, tobacco products, or other nicotine containing products such as gum, vape pens, etc...) 12 hours prior to entering the lab on the day of testing as this can directly affect cortical excitability. If a subject takes any of these substances 12 hours prior to the study visit they will be asked to reschedule for a later date.
• Have played a real stringed instrument in the last 12 months (e.g. guitar, bass, violin)
• Have played the videogame "Guitar Hero" on a traditional guitar controller in the last 12 months.

Where it is running

• National Institute for Fitness and Sport — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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