Neural Correlates of Real World Spatial Navigation in Humans

NCT04874220 | Recruiting FDA Device

• 1 other identifier: 20-001459
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 70
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to understand the neural mechanisms that support real world spatial navigation in humans using deep brain recordings and stimulation during virtual reality (VR), augmented reality, and real world memory tasks. We will determine the cognitive (i.e., memory) and behavioral (i.e., body, head, eye position and movement) factors that modulate deep brain activity and the consequent effects of memory-enhancing deep brain stimulation.

Conditions

Memory, Delayed

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Spatial memory

  Spatial memory will be measured using virtual, augmented and real-world spatial navigation tasks where participants will be asked to navigate a previously learned rout as well as if they recognize objects (i.e. landmarks) that appeared along the route (photos of seen landmarks vs unseen landmarks).

  Throughout study completion, an average of 2-4 days per year

• Memory performance change

  Memory performance will be measured using excess path length, latency, and accuracy rate.

  Throughout study completion, an average of 2-4 days per year

• Oscillatory activity change

  Changes in theta, gamma, and theta-gamma coupling will be measured both in relation to changes in memory performance on trials with and without deep brain stimulation as well as in relation to body, head, and eye position in a virtual, augmented, or real-world environment.

  Throughout study completion, an average of 2-4 days per year

Interventions

Deep Brain Stimulation DEVICE

Deep brain stimulation will be used

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 12 Years - 70 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• years of age or older and has undergone RNS system placement
• Willing to provide informed consent and participate the study
• Ability to read and write English fluently

You may not qualify if:

• Unwilling to provide informed consent

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of California, Los Angeles: lead
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): collaborator

Study Sites (1)

University of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California, 90024, United States

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Deep Brain Stimulation

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Electric Stimulation Therapy; Therapeutics; Surgical Procedures, Operative

Study Officials

• Nanthia Suthana, PhD

  University of California, Los Angeles

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Sonja Hiller

CONTACT

3107947517; shiller@mednet.ucla.edu

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 28, 2021
• First Posted: May 5, 2021
• Study Start: September 30, 2020
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2026
• Last Updated: July 23, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Time Frame: All data will be provided by the time publication occurs or when the proposed funding period has ended.
• Access Criteria: Researchers can request access to the data under collaborative and co-authorship agreements prior to the end of the funding period or before publication.

Locations

US (1)