Actively Recruiting
Prefrontal Neuroplasticity and Coping Strategies in Healthy Population: a Randomized Sham Controlled Trial
Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2026-04-02
42
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research investigates whether intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) causes immediate changes in brain activity in healthy adults aged 18 to 60. The study explores this by comparing real iTBS stimulation with a sham (placebo) version, focusing on how stress levels and coping skills relate to brain responses. It serves as a pilot for a larger project on predicting illness patterns in major depression remission. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving real iTBS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the other receiving sham stimulation that mimics the sensations without affecting the brain. This double-blind design means neither participants nor researchers know who receives real or sham stimulation during the trial. During the study, brain activity and connectivity will be monitored for three minutes before, during, and after stimulation. Psychological assessments including the Perceived Stress Scale and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations will be completed on the same day before the experiment. The study aims to understand immediate brain changes linked to stress and coping in healthy volunteers under careful observation.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Prefrontal Neuroplasticity and Coping Strategies in Healthy Population
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 18 to 60 years old
You will not qualify if you...
- Family history of psychiatric disorders
- History of or current neuropsychiatric conditions
- History of or active systemic illnesses such as cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension, or other medical conditions
- Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Any prior exposure to brain stimulation procedures
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Single session on the day of the experiment
Participants receive either real or sham transcranial magnetic stimulation sessions targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, 九龙, China
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
G
Georg Kranz, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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