Brain Criticality, Oculomotor Control, and Cognitive Effort

Launched by RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY · Mar 27, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the brain works when healthy young adults perform challenging tasks. Researchers will use special tools like electroencephalography (which measures brain waves) and MRI (a type of brain scan) to observe how the brain adapts and responds to these tasks, especially when stimulated by a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation. The goal is to better understand brain flexibility, which is how well the brain can adjust to different situations.

To participate, you need to be between 18 and 45 years old, healthy, and free from any diagnosed mental or physical illnesses. You should also be fluent in English and have at least a high school education. If you decide to join, you can expect to undergo two sessions that include brain stimulation and an MRI scan. It’s important to note that individuals with certain conditions, like a history of brain injury or ongoing mental health issues, are not eligible. This study is currently recruiting participants, and your involvement could contribute to important insights about brain function!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
• • 2. Stated willingness to comply with all study and availability for the duration of the study
• • 3. Males and females; Ages 18-45
• • 4. Healthy, neurologically normal with no diagnosed mental or physical illness
• • 5. Willingness to adhere to the MRI and two session stimulation protocol
• • 6. Fluent in English
• • 7. Normal or corrected to normal vision
• • 8. At least twelve years of education (high school equivalent)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Ongoing drug or alcohol abuse
• • 2. Diagnosed psychiatric or mental illness
• • 3. Currently taking psychoactive medication
• • 4. Prior brain injury
• • 5. Metal in body
• • 6. History of seizures or diagnosis of epilepsy
• • 7. Claustrophobia
• • 8. Pregnant or possibly pregnant
• • 9. Younger than 18 or older than 45
• • 10. Use of medications which potentially lower the usage threshold