Timing and Facilitation Effects of Theta-Burst Stimulation in the Reading and Language Networks

Launched by GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY · Sep 19, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can affect reading and language skills. TMS uses magnetic fields to temporarily change how certain parts of the brain work. Researchers want to find out how long the effects of TMS last and when it works best for improving reading abilities. They will compare different types of stimulation to a placebo (a fake treatment) to see how these affect reading and language performance.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 18 and 30 years old, right-handed, and a native English speaker. You should also have average reading skills and no history of learning disabilities. Participants will undergo tests related to reading and language, have an MRI scan, and receive TMS stimulation while performing various tasks. It’s important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions, hearing or visual impairments, and those with metal in their bodies may not be eligible. The goal of the study is to better understand how brain stimulation can help improve reading and language abilities.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Subjects must have a minimum of low average intellectual functioning (\>=80) on at least one subscale on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence-2 (WASI-2; Wechsler, 2011) to be included.
• • Within a normal range of reading skills as \>85 on the Test of Word Reading Efficiency - Second Edition (TOWRE-2; Torgesen et al., 2012) and the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement (WJ-IV; Schrank et al., 2014)
• • Individuals with a documented history of learning disability will not be included. This will be determined via demographics questionnaire.
• • Subjects must be between the ages of 18 and 30 to be included. This will be determined via demographics questionnaire.
• • Because reading is critically linked to language, only individuals who are native speakers of English will be included in the study. This will be determined via demographics questionnaire.
• • The reading network is typically localized to the left side of the brain. However, left-handed individuals may have different brain lateralization, introducing an important confound to the study. Therefore, only right-handed individuals will be included in the study. This will be determined via demographics questionnaire.
• • Individuals who have hearing deficits (\>25dB at 500+ Hz), visual deficits (\>20/40), serious emotional problems, certain neurological conditions (e.g., uncontrolled seizure disorders) will not be included. This will be determined via CABI Screening Forms and Demographics Questionnaire.
• • Individuals with certain metals in their bodies or with certain health conditions will not be included. If an individual has braces on their teeth, a cardiac pacemaker; hearing aid; other metal in their body or eyes (which may include certain metallic-embedded tattoos), including but not limited to pins, screws, shrapnel, plates, dentures or other metal objects they will not be included. This will be determined via CABI Screening forms.
• • Individuals with MRI Screening and Contraindication Forms which do not pass MRI Tech review will not be included.
• • Individuals with TMS Screening Forms which do not pass TMS Tech review will not be included.