Synchronization of Theta to Influence Memory

This study is looking at how brain waves (oscillations) might affect your memory and how you control your thoughts (cognitive control). Researchers are testing different types of brain stimulation using the STARSTIM Device, either "in-phase" or "anti-phase" theta stimulation, or a "Sham device" which is an inactive form of stimulation. They want to see if these interventions change how well you remember faces. You can join if you are between 18 and 59 years old, speak English, have normal vision, and are willing to be photographed. You cannot join if you've had a head injury that caused you to be knocked out. The study aims to measure changes in memory from before to after brain stimulation, over a maximum of 3 hours.

Study design: This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 90 participants. It compares active brain stimulation to an inactive (sham) device.
What's involved: The study involves one visit lasting a maximum of 3 hours, during which you will receive brain stimulation and have your memory tested.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: Your memory will be measured from the start of the study through the completion of your study visit, which is a maximum of 3 hours.

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

Synchronization of Theta to Influence Memory

Recruiting

NAAges 18–59InterventionalBasic science

Florida International University

~90 participants

Updated 2026-08-27 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:Sham deviceSTARSTIM Device in-phaseSTARSTIM Device anti-phase

At a glance

Recruiting sites

1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

The Difference Between Incidental Memory of Faces on Error versus Correct Trials from Baseline to Post Brain Stimulation

Measured over Baseline through study visit completion, a maximum of 3 hours

Conditions

Cognitive Control

Memory

NCT07468279

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.

Florida International University
Miami, Floridastudy 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.

Who to contact

George Buzzell

[email protected]

305-348-2868

Email the study team

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

Want this trial checked against your situation?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

18 years and older

Fluent in English

Normal or corrected-to-normal vision

Willing to be photographed

Exclusion

Must not have ever had an injury to the head that's caused you to be knocked out for a period of time (e.g., from a fall, blow to the head, road traffic accident).

Must not have an uncorrected vision or physical disability that interferes with your ability to see stimuli presented briefly on a computer screen or click a mouse button rapidly.

Must not have a history of epilepsy, convulsions, or seizures (except childhood febrile seizures).

Must not have a history of fainting or syncope.

For female participants, they must not be pregnant and/or must not think they might be pregnant.

Must not have skin problems like eczema, dermatitis, or open wounds on the scalp.

Must not have had prior brain surgery.

Must not have any metal located in the head/neck (except for dental work i.e., braces, permanent retainers, etc.)

Must not have any devices or other implants located in/near their head. This includes cochlear implants and aneurysm clips, cardiac pacemaker, or any other implanted electronic device.

Must not have a current (active) alcohol or substance use disorder, must have no recent history of withdrawal symptoms, and must be able to safely abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed/illicit drugs for at least 24 hours before the session.

Must not have any alcohol on the day of the session, must limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks (if legally permitted) in the prior 24 hours, and must not use any non-prescribed or illicit drugs in the 24 hours before the session.

Must not be sick with a fever, sleep-deprived, or feel dizzy, unwell, or intoxicated.

Must also have eaten and had fluids but not have consumed more caffeine than they typically consume.

Must not be taking anticonvulsant/anti-epileptic drugs or have ever taken them within their lifetime.

Must not be taking benzodiazepines or have taken them within the past 3 months.

Must not have had a recent change (start, stop, dose change) for any psychiatric/psychotropic medications within the past 3 months.

Must not be taking Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine, clomipramine, etc.), Antipsychotics (clozapine; chlorpromazine, haloperidol, etc.), or Tramadol or have taken them within the past 3 months.

Must not have experienced cardiac problems, fibrillation, or have taken medications associated with cardiac conditions within the past 3 months.

Must not meet the diagnostic threshold for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, or Psychotic Disorders.

What this trial measures

The Difference Between Incidental Memory of Faces on Error versus Correct Trials from Baseline to Post Brain StimulationBaseline through study visit completion, a maximum of 3 hours
The hit rate for faces that appeared on error trials minus the hit rate for faces that appeared on correct trials.

Trialytics