Neuromodulation for Stress Response Study
This study is exploring whether a temporary, non-invasive brain stimulation technique, called continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), can change how healthy people respond emotionally to stress. Researchers will target a specific brain area, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, using either active cTBS or a 'sham' (inactive) version. You would be between 30 and 50 years old and cannot be taking certain heart or blood pressure medications. The study aims to see if cTBS affects brain activity and connectivity during stress, as well as your arousal levels, within 30-60 minutes after stimulation. The study plans to enroll 55 participants.
- Study design
- This is an interventional study where participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) or sham cTBS. The study plans to enroll 55 participants.
- What's involved
- You would have two visits where you undergo transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), once with active stimulation and once with sham stimulation. Before and after each stimulation, you will perform tasks while having an MRI scan.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- The primary outcomes, such as brain activation and arousal during stress, are measured 30-60 minutes after stimulation.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Neuromodulation of Brain and Emotional Responses to Psychological Stress
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesStudy leadership
- Thomas E Kraynak, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh
Who to contact
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What this trial measures
- Dorsal anterior cingulate cortex activation to stress30-60 mins post-stimulation
Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal in a dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) region of interest mask extracted from the incongruent (stress) vs congruent (control) contrast.
- Dorsal anterior cingulate cortex connectivity to stress30-60 mins post-stimulation
Generalized psychophysiological interaction (gPPI) estimate reflecting stressor-evoked dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) functional connectivity to the anterior insula, amygdala, and periaqueductal gray.
- Change in arousal during stress30-60 mins post-stimulation
Rating on a modified self-assessment manikin scale (SAM) measuring subjective ratings of arousal ("To what extent do you feel calm?" 1 - very calm, 9 - very aroused) following the psychological stressor task compared to a pre-stressor baseline.
- Change in valence during stress30-60 mins post-stimulation
Rating on a modified self-assessment manikin scale (SAM) measuring subjective ratings of valence ("To what extent do you feel happy vs unhappy?" 1 - very unhappy, 9 - very unhappy) following the psychological stressor task compared to a pre-stressor baseline.
- Change in perceived control during stress30-60 mins post-stimulation
Rating on a modified self-assessment manikin scale (SAM) measuring subjective ratings of perceived control ("To what extent do you feel in control?" 1 - very little control, 9 - very much control) following the psychological stressor task compared to a pre-stressor baseline.
- Systolic blood pressure response to stress30-60 mins post-stimulation
The difference in systolic blood pressure (in mmHg) obtained during the psychological stress task compared to a resting pre-stressor period.
- Heart rate response to stress30-60 mins post-stimulation
The difference in heart rate (in beats per minute) obtained during the psychological stress task compared to a resting pre-stressor period.