Home › NCT05801861

Modulating Goal-directed Navigation Using Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Modulating Spatial Processing During Goal-directed Navigation Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Who can join

Ages 18 to 55 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Be between the ages of 18 and 55 years old.
2. Not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days.
3. Be in stable mental and physical health.
4. If female, test non-pregnant.
5. No evidence of focal or diffuse brain lesion on MRI.
6. Be willing to provide informed consent.
7. Be able to comply with protocol requirements and likely to complete all study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Contraindication to MRI (e.g., presence of metal in the skull, orbits or intracranial cavity, claustrophobia).
2. 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).
3. History of autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorder affecting the brain.
4. History or MRI evidence of neurological disorder that would lead to local or diffuse brain lesions or significant physical impairment.
5. 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.

About the study

Our specific aim is to examine the effects of TMS on spatial processing during goal-directed navigation. In these experiments the investigators will utilize a scalp-recorded brain oscillation called right posterior theta that is believed to index the sensitivity of the parahippocampal cortex to spatial context. Here the investigators will asked whether this electrophysiological signal can be modulated up or down using TMS while participants engage in virtual navigation tasks, and if so, whether it would affect the spatial encoding of rewards and subsequent choices during task performance.

What is being tested

• Active 10-Hz TMS to the parietal cortex (device)
• Active single pulse TMS to the parietal cortex (device)
• Sham 10-Hz TMS to the right parietal cortex (device)
• Sham single-pulse rTMS the rigt parietal cortex (device)

Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · Participants: 60 · Started: Mar 24, 2023

Contact the study team

• Travis E Baker, PhD · Phone: 973-353-5485
• Malte Gueth · Phone: 973-353-3509

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05801861

Locations in the U.S.

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.