Modulating Reward Learning Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

NCT06323057 | Recruiting FDA Device

• 1 other identifier: Pro2022000444_CLFMT
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 28
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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.

Conditions

Behavior

Keywords

transcranial magnetic stimulation; reward processing; EEG; theta

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• 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: Day 0 (day of testing)]

• 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: Day 0 (day of testing)]

Study Arms (2)

Single-pulse Peak Phase TMS

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive a single active TMS pulse during the peak phase target of each task trial and delivered at 110% of participants' resting motor threshold over the predefined frontal target . For the second TMS session, participants will receive single pulse Sham TMS during the peak phase target of each task trial and delivered at 110% of participants' resting motor threshold over the predefined frontal target. Total number of TMS pulse for each session is 520 pulses

Device: Single pulse TMS to the frontal cortex

Single-pulse Trough Phase TMS

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive a single active TMS pulse during the trough phase target of each task trial and delivered at 110% of participants' resting motor threshold over the predefined frontal target . For the second TMS session, participants will receive single pulse Sham TMS during the peak phase target of each task trial and delivered at 110% of participants' resting motor threshold over the predefined frontal target. Total number of TMS pulse for each session is 520 pulses

Device: Single pulse TMS to the frontal cortex

Interventions

Single pulse TMS to the frontal cortex DEVICE

Single pulse TMS will be delivered to the left frontal cortex, and stimulation intensity will be at 110% of resting motor threshold.

Single-pulse Peak Phase TMS; Single-pulse Trough Phase TMS

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 55 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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.
• Be able to comply with protocol requirements and likely to complete all study procedures.

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey: lead

Study Sites (1)

Rutgers University - Newark

Newark, New Jersey, 07102, United States

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Masking Details: Participants will be blinded to the TMS condition (active or sham)
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 14, 2024
• First Posted: March 21, 2024
• Study Start: February 14, 2024
• Primary Completion: April 30, 2026
• Study Completion: April 30, 2026
• Last Updated: November 18, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-11

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)