Modulating Goal-directed Navigation Using Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Spatial Navigation

Interventions

DEVICE

Active 10-Hz TMS to the parietal cortex

The active 10-Hz TMS group will receive 10hz TMS stimulation in the first TMS session, and single pulse TMS in the second TMS session. Participants in the active stimulation group will receive 10-Hz TMS to right parietal cortex. The TMS target will be based on subject specific anatomical MRI images (diffusion imaging). TMS will be delivered using a robotic neuronavigation system (Smartmove, ANT). Stimulation intensity will be standardized at 110% of RMT and adjusted to the skull to cortical surface based on e-field calculations (simnibs). Stimulation will be delivered to the right parietal cortex using an active/placebo figure-8 coil, an magventure TMS device.

DEVICE

Active single pulse TMS to the parietal cortex

The active single pulse TMS group will receive single pulse TMS stimulation in the first and second TMS session. Participants in the active stimulation group will receive single pulse TMS to right parietal cortex. The TMS target will be based on subject specific anatomical MRI images (diffusion imaging). TMS will be delivered using a robotic neuronavigation system (Smartmove, ANT). Stimulation intensity will be standardized at 110% of RMT and adjusted to the skull to cortical surface based on e-field calculations (simnibs). Stimulation will be delivered to the right parietal cortex using an active/placebo figure-8 coil, an magventure TMS device.

DEVICE

Sham 10-Hz TMS to the right parietal cortex

The parameters in the active arms will be as above with the internal randomization of the device internally switching to sham in a blinded fashion.

DEVICE

Sham single-pulse rTMS the rigt parietal cortex

The parameters in the active arms will be as above with the internal randomization of the device internally switching to sham in a blinded fashion.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Travis E Baker · Rutgers University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

55 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-03-24

Primary Completion

2026-08-31

Completion

2026-08-31

FDA Device

Yes

Countries

• United States

Study Locations