Modulation of Working Memory by an Alternating Magnetic Field in Humans
MEMOCHAM
1 other identifier
interventional
102
0 countries
N/A
Brief Summary
Many studies have examined the effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on working memory, showing that low-intensity stimulation can enhance cognitive performance by modulating neuronal activity, particularly in the frontal cortex and the parietal lobule. Specific frequencies, such as the gamma frequency, have demonstrated beneficial effects on memory under high cognitive load. However, tACS has technical limitations, including uncomfortable sensations and uneven diffusion of electrical currents within the brain, which restrict its effectiveness in deeper brain regions. Transcranial alternating magnetic stimulation (tAMS) is emerging as a potentially more precise and comfortable method. Unlike tACS, tAMS uses magnetic fields that penetrate more deeply into the brain and provide a more homogeneous distribution of induced electrical currents, allowing for more targeted stimulation. This study compares the effects of tACS and tAMS on working memory, with the hypothesis that tAMS will offer additional advantages in terms of comfort and efficacy. Cognitive performance will be assessed using working memory tasks, along with EEG signals to analyze neuronal modulations. The objective is to demonstrate that tAMS more effectively reaches deep brain regions and improves cognitive functions.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P75+ for not_applicable healthy
Started Apr 2026
Longer than P75 for not_applicable healthy
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
December 8, 2025
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
February 10, 2026
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
April 1, 2026
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
April 1, 2028
ExpectedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
September 1, 2028
March 17, 2026
February 1, 2026
2 years
December 8, 2025
March 16, 2026
Conditions
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
Sternberg task
During each trial, participants memorize a sequence of eight letters presented sequentially. They are then shown a probe letter displayed in blue and must indicate whether this letter was part of the memorized sequence. Participant performance will be evaluated based on two behavioral measures: accuracy (proportions of correct and incorrect responses) and reaction time in milliseconds.
Baseline (Day 1, before exposure), periprocedural (Day 1, during exposure), and post-intervention (Day 1, immediately after exposure)
Secondary Outcomes (9)
EEG Power Outcomes
Baseline (Day 1, before exposure), periprocedural (Day 1, during exposure), and post-intervention (Day 1, immediately after exposure)
EEG Power Outcomes
Baseline (Day 1, before exposure), periprocedural (Day 1, during exposure), and post-intervention (Day 1, immediately after exposure)
EEG Power Outcomes
Baseline (Day 1, before exposure), periprocedural (Day 1, during exposure), and post-intervention (Day 1, immediately after exposure)
EEG Power Outcomes
Baseline (Day 1, before exposure), periprocedural (Day 1, during exposure), and post-intervention (Day 1, immediately after exposure)
EEG Power Outcomes
Baseline (Day 1, before exposure), periprocedural (Day 1, during exposure), and post-intervention (Day 1, immediately after exposure)
- +4 more secondary outcomes
Study Arms (5)
40 Hz tACS stimulation
EXPERIMENTAL60 Hz tACS stimulation
EXPERIMENTAL40 Hz tAMS stimulation
EXPERIMENTAL60 Hz tAMS stimulation
EXPERIMENTALNo stimulation
SHAM COMPARATORInterventions
The experimental session lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes and includes four phases: Time 0, dedicated to training and adjustment of task difficulty, followed by Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3, corresponding respectively to assessments of working memory performance before, during, and after exposure to stimulation. Each phase includes blocks of the Sternberg task, for a total of 180 trials per session. Each block lasts 10 minutes.
The experimental session lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes and includes four time points: Time 0, dedicated to training and adjustment of task difficulty, followed by Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3, corresponding respectively to assessments of working memory performance before, during, and after exposure to stimulation. Each time point includes blocks of the Sternberg task, for a total of 180 trials per session. Each block lasts 10 minutes.
The experimental session lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes and includes four time points: Time 0, dedicated to training and adjustment of task difficulty, followed by Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3, corresponding respectively to assessments of working memory performance before, during, and after exposure to sham stimulation. Each time point includes blocks of the Sternberg task, for a total of 180 trials per session. Each block lasts 10 minutes.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Written, voluntary, and informed consent to participate in the study
- Fluent French speaker (task instructions are provided in French)
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision using contact lenses only
- Individuals deprived of liberty by law
- Individuals under legal guardianship or curatorship
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Presence of metallic implants in the head, implanted electronic devices, or any other metallic object that cannot be removed for the experiment (e.g. dental fillings)
- History of neurological or psychiatric disorders according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition)
- History of pathology or chronic disease affecting memory or attention
- Drug or alcohol consumption within the previous 24 hours
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
MeSH Terms
Interventions
Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- SINGLE
- Who Masked
- PARTICIPANT
- Purpose
- BASIC SCIENCE
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
December 8, 2025
First Posted
February 10, 2026
Study Start
April 1, 2026
Primary Completion (Estimated)
April 1, 2028
Study Completion (Estimated)
September 1, 2028
Last Updated
March 17, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-02