Modulating Reward Learning Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
ConditionBehavior
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-55
SponsorRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
About this trial
Our specific aim is to examine the effects of TMS on reward processing during goal-directed behavior. In these experiments the investigators will utilize a scalp-recorded brain oscillation called frontal midline theta that is believed to index the sensitivity of the cingulate cortex to reward feedback. Here the investigators will asked whether this electrophysiological signal can be modulated up or down using TMS while participants engage in decision making tasks, and if so, whether it would affect the encoding of rewards and subsequent choices during task performance.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Be between the ages of 18 and 55 years old.
Be in stable mental and physical health.
If female, test non-pregnant.
Be willing to provide informed consent.
Disqualifiers
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.
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
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Single pulse TMS to the frontal cortex
DeviceSingle pulse TMS will be delivered to the left frontal cortex, and stimulation intensity will be at 110% of resting motor threshold.
Treatment groups
28 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Single-pulse Peak Phase TMSExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Single-pulse Trough Phase TMSExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Event-related Brain Oscillation: Frontal Midline Theta
Frontal-midline theta (FMT: 4-8 hz) is a scalp recorded brain oscillation sensitive to the processing of reward stimulus presented during decision making tasks. FMT will be measured during the presentation of the reward stimulus (Reward, No-reward) during task performance. A time-frequency analysis will be used to measure FMT power for each electrode by averaging the single-trial EEG according to feedback type (reward and no-reward). The size of the FMT will be determined by identifying the maximum amplitude of the FMT response and evaluated at frontal electrodes. The FMT will be measured for each proposed phase target group across active and sham conditions, and used to measure the efficacy of the TMS target to modulate brain activity associated with reward processing.
Time frame
[Time Frame: Day 0 (day of testing)]2
Reward learning
Decision making behavioral measures of interest consist of learning and test phase accuracy, reaction time, and post-error reaction time (ΔRT, subsequent negative feedback trial RT minus the current trial RT, with higher values reflecting greater adaption or slowing).
Time frame
[Time Frame: Day 0 (day of testing)]Sponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Source ClinicalTrials.gov