Actively Recruiting
Identify the Optimal TMS Pulse Protocol to Modulate Reward Activity
Led by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · Updated on 2025-11-18
42
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
108 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The primary goal will be to identify the optimal pulse protocol by systematically measuring the efficacy of various theta burst stimulation and repetitive rTMS protocols to increase and decrease the reward positivity in dependent smokers. The secondary objective will be to measure the protocols' effectiveness to increase decision-making capacity using the probabilistic selection task (PST). The third objective will be to specifically assess whether the TMS targets has a differential impact on state levels of craving relative to baseline (Tobacco Craving Questionnaire \[TCQ\]. The investigators plan to accomplish these three objectives using a randomized, controlled experiment involving 2 sessions.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Identify the Optimal TMS Pulse Protocol to Modulate Reward Activity
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Nicotine dependent individuals according to the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test nicotine dependence score
- Aged between 18 and 55 years old
- No substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days
- Stable mental and physical health
- If female, must test negative for pregnancy
- No focal or diffuse brain lesion seen on MRI
- Willing to provide informed consent
- Able to comply with protocol and likely to complete all study procedures
You will not qualify if you...
- Contraindications to MRI such as metal in the skull, orbits, or intracranial cavity, or claustrophobia
- Contraindications to rTMS including history of neurological disorder or seizure, increased intracranial pressure, brain surgery, head trauma with loss of consciousness over 15 minutes, implanted electronic device, metal in the head, or pregnancy
- History of autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorders affecting the brain
- History or MRI evidence of neurological disorder causing brain lesions or significant physical impairment
- Lifetime history of mental disorders like Bipolar Affective Disorder, Schizophrenia, PTSD, Dementia, or Major Depression
- Use of uninterruptable central nervous system medication
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Rutgers University - Newark
Newark, New Jersey, United States, 07102
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Travis E Baker, PhD
CONTACT
E
Emily Zhang
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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