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rTMS Induced Reduction in M1 Excitability
The Effects of rTMS Induced Reduction in M1 Excitability on Early-online Learning and Retention in Dexterous Video-game Task
Who can join
Ages 18 to 45 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between ages 18 and 45 years old (to avoid any changes in the developing brain, or with aging). * Answer 'no' to questions 2 through 17 on the brain stimulation questionnaire as these factors can increase likelihood of adverse events with brain stimulation. * No neurological damage, disease, or dysfunction (nerve damage, chronic pain disorders, diabetic neuropathy, epilepsy) that affect the upper limbs and limit the ability to complete the study, and/or compromise the objectives of the study * No significant visual impairment that would prevent them from playing a video game. Exclusion Criteria: * Currently prescribed and taking stimulant medication (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, etc.) * Consumption of over-the-counter stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine (coffee, soda, supplements, energy drinks, tobacco products, or other nicotine containing products such as gum, vape pens, etc...) 12 hours prior to entering the lab on the day of testing as this can directly affect cortical excitability. If a subject takes any of these substances 12 hours prior to the study visit they will be asked to reschedule for a later date. * Have played a real stringed instrument in the last 12 months (e.g. guitar, bass, violin) * Have played the videogame "Guitar Hero" on a traditional guitar controller in the last 12 months.
About the study
When learning a new skill, much of the improvement comes from small alterations the brain makes with each repetition during practice, but this isn't the only time that improvements are made during the learning process. Individuals also get better at the motor skills during the time between practices, through a process called "consolidation." It is known that an area of the brain called the primary motor cortex is involved in learning during active practice, but the investigators want to study if the primary motor cortex is important for consolidation. The investigators will examine how lowering the activity in this brain region affects your ability to consolidate learning to play a song on the videogame Guitar Hero.
What is being tested
- rTMS (device)
Sponsor: Indiana University · Participants: 32 · Started: Apr 23, 2026
Contact the study team
- Zachary A Riley · Phone: 317-274-1487
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07588113
Locations in the U.S.
| Indiana | National Institute for Fitness and Sport, Indianapolis |
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 2, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.