NCT05923606

Modulation of Brain Oscillations Underlying Working Memory

State-dependent Modulation of Interactions of Theta and Gamma Rhythms in Working Memory

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 32 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study will use novel transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) protocols and electroencephalography (EEG) to modulate and measure brain oscillations that underlie working memory. tACS is a noninvasive method used to modulate the timing and patterns of brain rhythms via weak electric currents passed through electrodes on the scalp.

Detailed description

In this study, healthy adult individuals will perform a spatial working memory task as investigators record scalp EEG before and immediately after undergoing transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). Each participant will complete four tACS sessions in randomized order: 1) theta-nested gamma tACS applied during active task periods, 2) theta-nested gamma tACS applied during passive (rest) periods, 3) gamma stimulation applied in phase with ongoing theta oscillations, and 4) placebo tACS. The different stimulation protocols will take place on different days. Therefore, participants will be expected to attend 4 in-person study visits at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Conditions

• Working Memory

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Active tACS	Active tACS will be administered over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for approximately 25 minutes.
DEVICE	Placebo tACS	Placebo tACS will be administered over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for approximately 25 minutes.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-07-10
• Primary completion: 2026-08-31
• Completion: 2027-03-31
• First posted: 2023-06-28
• Last updated: 2026-02-09

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated device study