Brain zaps reveal secrets of cognitive control
NCT ID NCT06734377
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether rhythmic magnetic pulses applied to the brain at specific frequencies (delta or theta) can improve cognitive control—the ability to follow rules and make accurate decisions. Sixty-six healthy adults aged 18 to 35 received different types of brain stimulation while performing tasks. The goal was to understand how these brain rhythms influence performance, not to treat any condition.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) at delta (2.2 Hz) or theta (6.5 Hz) frequency
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help scientists understand how specific brain rhythms support thinking and decision-making, potentially guiding future therapies for cognitive disorders.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study in healthy volunteers, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to people with cognitive impairments, and the effects may be subtle or not reproducible.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
66 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jan 2025
- Finished
-
Oct 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 35 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 35. * Must be able to provide informed consent. * Must have normal or corrected-to-normal vision. * Participants must be right-handed. * Willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the study duration. * Proficiency in speaking and understanding English. Exclusion Criteria: * Must not be color-blind * Current treatment for ADHD/ADD. * History of neurological disorders, including but not limited to the following specified conditions * Epilepsy or seizures (excluding childhood febrile seizures). * Dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral aneurysm, or brain tumors. * History of stroke or traumatic brain injury. * Medical conditions or treatments that could interfere with study participation (e.g., unstable cardiac disease, HIV/AIDS, malignancy, or renal impairment). * Prior brain surgery or presence of brain devices/implants (e.g., cochlear implants or aneurysm clips). * Females who are pregnant or breastfeeding. * Use of specific medications, including but not limited to ADHD medications or benzodiazepines, which may interfere with EEG measurements or task performance * Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, increases risk or hinders full compliance with the study.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS) effect on hierarchical cognitive control are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Florida State University Psychology Dept Bldg A411
Tallahassee, Florida, 32304, United States