Actively Recruiting
Identify the Optimal TMS Target to Modulate Reward Activity
Led by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · Updated on 2025-11-17
36
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
179 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Our primary goal will be to identify the optimal prefrontal-cingulate target by systematically measuring the efficacy of various image-based targeting techniques to increase the reward positivity using the 10-Hz TMS protocol in dependent smokers. Our secondary objective will be to measure the targets' effectiveness to increase decision-making capacity using the probabilistic selection task (PST). Our 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 \[TCQ\]. We plan to accomplish these three objectives using a randomized, controlled experiment involving 3 sessions.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Identify the Optimal TMS Target to Modulate Reward Activity
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Nicotine dependent individuals (per Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test)
- Aged between 18 and 55 years
- No substance abuse treatment in the past 30 days
- Stable mental and physical health
- If female, confirmed non-pregnant
- No focal or diffuse brain lesions on MRI
- Willing to provide informed consent
- Able to comply with study procedures and complete all visits
You will not qualify if you...
- Contraindications to MRI (metal in skull/orbits/intracranial cavity, claustrophobia)
- Contraindications to rTMS (neurological disorder, seizures, brain surgery, head trauma with loss of consciousness >15 minutes, implanted electronic device, metal in head, pregnancy)
- History of autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular brain disorders
- History or evidence of neurological disorders causing brain lesions or physical impairment
- Lifetime history of Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, PTSD, Dementia, or Major Depression
- Use of uninterruptible central nervous system medications
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
N
Nicole Lalta
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here