Identify the Optimal TMS Pulse Protocol to Modulate Reward Activity

Description

Our primary goal will be to identify the optimal pulse protocol by systematically measuring the efficacy of various theta burst stimulation and repetitive rTMS protocols to increase and decrease the reward positivity in dependent smokers. Our secondary objective will be to measure the protocols' effectiveness to increase decision-making capacity using the probabilistic selection task (PST). Our third objective will be to specifically assess whether the TMS targets has a differential impact on state levels of craving relative to baseline (Tobacco Craving Questionnaire \[TCQ\]. We plan to accomplish these three objectives using a randomized, controlled experiment involving 2 sessions.

Conditions

Nicotine Use Disorder

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Our primary goal will be to identify the optimal pulse protocol by systematically measuring the efficacy of various theta burst stimulation and repetitive rTMS protocols to increase and decrease the reward positivity in dependent smokers. Our secondary objective will be to measure the protocols' effectiveness to increase decision-making capacity using the probabilistic selection task (PST). Our third objective will be to specifically assess whether the TMS targets has a differential impact on state levels of craving relative to baseline (Tobacco Craving Questionnaire \[TCQ\]. We plan to accomplish these three objectives using a randomized, controlled experiment involving 2 sessions.

Determining the Optimal Pulse Protocol for TMS Induced Change in Reward Positivity

Identify the Optimal TMS Pulse Protocol to Modulate Reward Activity

Condition
Nicotine Use Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Newark

Rutgers University - Newark, Newark, New Jersey, United States, 07102

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Nicotine dependent individuals (according to the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test nicotine dependence score).
  • 2. Be between the ages of 18 and 55 years old.
  • 3. Not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days.
  • 4. Be in stable mental and physical health.
  • 5. If female, test non-pregnant.
  • 6. No evidence of focal or diffuse brain lesion on MRI.
  • 7. Be willing to provide informed consent.
  • 8. Be able to comply with protocol requirements and likely to complete all study procedures.
  • 1. Contraindication to MRI (e.g., presence of metal in the skull, orbits or intracranial cavity, claustrophobia).
  • 2. Contraindication to rTMS (history of neurological disorder or seizure, increased intracranial pressure, brain surgery, or head trauma with loss of consciousness for \> 15 minutes, implanted electronic device, metal in the head, or pregnancy).
  • 3. History of autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorder affecting the brain.
  • 4. History or MRI evidence of neurological disorder that would lead to local or diffuse brain lesions or significant physical impairment.
  • 5. Life time history of mental disorders such as: Bipolar Affective disorder (BPAD), Schizophrenia, Post-traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) or Dementia or Major Depression.
  • 6. uninterruptable central nervous system medication

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey,

Travis E Baker, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Rutgers University

Study Record Dates

2025-08-31