Actively Recruiting
Self-modulation of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Using Real-time fMRI Neurofeedback Training to Improve Negative Anticipation for Future Events
Led by University of Electronic Science and Technology of China · Updated on 2026-01-28
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
7 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a real-time fMRI neurofeedback training to help healthy adults control activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) using imagined social support. The study aims to see if this brain activity modulation can improve feelings related to anticipating negative events and increase a sense of control over future situations. This trial uses a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized design with 60 participants. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group receiving real feedback from the mPFC and a sham control group receiving feedback from an unrelated brain region (primary motor cortex). The training involves one baseline session without feedback, four sessions with intermittent feedback, and one transfer session without feedback. Each session consists of multiple blocks where participants regulate brain activity followed by periods showing feedback on brain activation. During the study, participants will undergo brain scans measuring blood oxygen level-dependent signals to track mPFC activity. Researchers will assess changes in brain activity and related anxiety levels after training. The entire process includes multiple sessions over time, with safety and adherence monitored throughout. The study is open to healthy adults aged 18 to 35 and includes careful screening to exclude neurological or psychiatric conditions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Real-time Neurofeedback Training of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Based on Imagined Social Support
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Healthy subjects without any past or present psychiatric or neurological disorders
- Aged between 18 and 35 years
- Able and willing to participate in all study procedures and visits
You will not qualify if you...
- History of brain injury
- Psychiatric or neurological disorder
- Contraindications for MRI
- Regular use of psychotropic substances such as medication or drugs
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.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 1 to 2 weeks
Participants complete neurofeedback training sessions involving real-time fMRI to regulate medial prefrontal cortex activity using imagined social support.
6 fMRI sessions including 1 baseline session without feedback, 4 training sessions with intermittent feedback, and 1 transfer session without feedback
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Electronic Science and Technology of China(UESTC), Chengdu, Sichuan 611731
Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 611731
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Benjamin Becker, Dr
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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