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Modulating Goal-directed Navigation Using Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT05801861

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Opens the official ClinicalTrials.gov record, with the study team’s contacts. Bored Studies doesn’t enroll anyone.

Key facts

Compensation
Not posted. Ask the study team before screening.
Who can join
Ages 18–55 · All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Study type
Interventional · Not applicable
Target enrollment
60
US sites recruiting
1
Study start
March 24, 2023
Record last updated
November 17, 2025

Status re-checked against ClinicalTrials.gov within the last 12 hours.

What the study is about

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.

Being studied: Active 10-Hz TMS to the parietal cortex; Active single pulse TMS to the parietal cortex; Sham 10-Hz TMS to the right parietal cortex; Sham single-pulse rTMS the rigt parietal cortex

Conditions: Spatial Navigation

Eligibility criteria

Copied from the official record. The study team makes the final decision at screening.

Show full criteria

Inclusion Criteria

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

Exclusion Criteria

  • Contraindication to MRI (e.g., presence of metal in the skull, orbits or intracranial cavity, claustrophobia).
  • 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.
  • History or MRI evidence of neurological disorder that would lead to local or diffuse brain lesions or significant physical impairment.
  • 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.

Recruiting US locations

  • Rutgers University - Newark

    Newark, NJ 07102

    Site contact: Travis E Baker, PhD · 973-353-5485 · travis.e.baker@rutgers.edu

Study contacts (from the official record)

  • Travis E Baker, PhD · 973-353-5485 · travis.e.baker@rutgers.edu
  • Malte Gueth · 973-353-3509 · mrg217@newark.rutgers.edu
All healthy volunteers studies in New Jersey →
Modulating Goal-directed Navigation Using Noninvasive Brain… (NCT05801861) | Bored Studies