Modulating Reward Learning Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Status Recruiting

Clinical Trial Summary

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.

Clinical Trial Description

The design is primarily a randomized control-trial design (2 sessions), testing the effects of single-pulse TMS on reward processing during goal-directed behavior tasks. Subjects will be randomly assigned to an peak or trough group. All participants will be asked to complete two TMS sessions within two weeks. For each TMS session, participants will receive either Active TMS or Sham TMS. For each TMS session, the TMS coil will be placed 1cm above the scalp over a left frontal region (electrode location F3). Subjects will be randomly assigned to an active or sham condition for each session. At the start of the first TMS session, participants will be fitted with an EEG cap and engage in a virtual T-maze reward task. The T-maze task will be divided into 30 blocks of trials. For the first block of 10 trials, a single TMS pulse will be delivered over the DLPFC immediately following trial-to-trial feedback and at the desired theta phase. Reward stimulus (apple or orange) will indicate whether the participant will receive 5 or 0 cents on that trial. Immediately following this block, subjects will complete 5 trials with no modulation. This block sequence will repeat for 30 blocks for a total of 300 pulses delivered and 450 T-maze trials completed (duration 15 minutes: 300 TMS trials, 150 no-TMS trials). TMS pulse delivery will be open for 1 second and only 1 pulse will be delivered within this time range. Following the T-maze, participants will engage in the probabilistic selection task. During the learning phase of the PST, subjects will again receive a single TMS pulse at the desired theta phase following feedback onset. A total of 240 pulses will be delivered and 240 learning phase trials will be completed before subjects perform the test phase (duration 15-20 minutes). Identical protocol will be applied to the second Sham session (1-week later). Participants will be debriefed and compensated for their participation. ;

Study Design

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

Behavior

Clinical Trial Details

NCT number	NCT06323057
Study type	Interventional
Source	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Contact
Status	Recruiting
Phase	N/A
Start date	February 14, 2024
Completion date	April 30, 2025

View Details

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Clinical trials are conducted in a series of steps, called phases - each phase is designed to answer a separate research question.

Phase 1: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
Phase 2: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
Phase 3: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
Phase 4: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug's effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.