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MRI Neurofeedback for Motivation and Brain Circuits

This research study is looking for healthy volunteers to understand how people can control their motivation by observing their brain activity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study will use a technique called fMRI neurofeedback, specifically targeting the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain, which is involved in motivation. You might be eligible if you are between 18 and 45 years old, right-handed, and generally healthy. The main goal is to measure changes in VTA brain activity during the MRI scan, which takes about 2 hours. This research aims to develop new ways to regulate brain activity non-invasively and improve our understanding of how the brain impacts learning and motivated behavior.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 190 healthy participants. It uses fMRI neurofeedback as the intervention.
What's involved
You would participate in an MRI scan lasting approximately 2 hours. During this time, you will receive fMRI neurofeedback training.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint is measured during the MRI scan, approximately 2 hours. No further follow-up is specified.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05929898

MRI Neurofeedback and Brain Circuits Related to Motivation in Healthy Participants

Recruiting
NAAges 18–45InterventionalBasic science
Duke University
~190 participants
Updated 2026-07-10 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Ventral tegmental area of dopaminergic midbrain (VTA) fMRI neurofeedback

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Percent signal change in VTA BOLD activation
Measured over During the MRI scan, approximately 2 hours

Conditions

Motivation
Memory
Self-regulation

Explore related trials

Healthy Volunteers

NCT05929898

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Center for Cognitive Neuroscience

    Durham, North Carolinastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • R. Alison Adock, MD, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Duke University

Who to contact

Alannah Rivera-Cancel, BA
[email protected]
919-385-0836
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age between 18 and 45 years
Right-handed
In good general health

Exclusion

Current or diagnosis within past six months of an DSM-V Axis I or Axis II disorder (self-reported)
CES-D score of 20 or higher (indicating significant current depression symptoms)
Current or past six month use of prescription medications indicated for psychiatric conditions (e.g.,depression, anxiety)
Current serious medical illness (self-reported)
Head injury resulting in loss of consciousness
For participants age \> 59 years, a total scaled score \< 8 on the Dementia Rating Scale-2.
A clinically-defined neurological disorder including, but not limited to:
Any condition likely to be associated with increased intracranial pressure
Space occupying brain lesion
History of stroke
Transient ischemic attack within two years
Cerebral aneurysm
Dementia
Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) score of \<24
Parkinson's disease
Huntington's disease
Multiple sclerosis
Presence of cochlear implants or other implanted electronic devices or non-removable metal (e.g., non-removable piercing, IUD)
History of an eye injury involving metal. Participants who worked with metal may be allowed to participate on a case-by-case basis with prior written approval from BIAC.
Claustrophobia or unwillingness to tolerate the confinement associated with being in the MRI scanner.
Weight of more than 250 pounds

What this trial measures

  • Percent signal change in VTA BOLD activationDuring the MRI scan, approximately 2 hours