Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Two Cerebellar Targets

This study wants to learn how certain parts of the brain, called the cerebellum, help with movement and thinking. Researchers will use a gentle brain stimulation technique called rTMS on healthy volunteers. They will stimulate two different areas of the cerebellum to see how it affects brain activity and performance in tasks. One area is linked to movement, and the other to attention and thinking. The study is double-blind, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers know who is getting active stimulation or a placebo. The results will help scientists understand the brain better and develop improved treatments for people with brain-related health problems.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Strasbourg, France

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

02 Jan 2030

Healthy Healthy Adult

What is this study about?

This research is all about understanding a part of your brain called the cerebellum, which helps with many important jobs like moving your body and even how you think. Scientists know that a gentle brain stimulation method, called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), can be helpful for certain brain conditions, but they want to learn more about exactly how it works.

In this study, researchers will use rTMS to stimulate two specific areas in the cerebellum of healthy volunteers. One area, called Lobule VIII, is thought to be involved in movement and learning new physical skills. The other area, named CRUS I/II, is believed to play a role in attention, thinking clearly, and even judging time. By comparing how stimulating these two different areas affects people, the scientists hope to get a clearer picture of what each part does and how they can be influenced.

The main goal is to gather information that will help create better ways to treat brain conditions in the future. Even though participants won't get direct medical benefits, their involvement is really important for advancing our understanding of the brain and developing new and more effective therapies for patients with various neurological and psychiatric issues.

Key takeaways

This study uses gentle brain stimulation (rTMS) to understand how different brain areas work.
It aims to discover how specific parts of the cerebellum affect movement and thinking.
Healthy volunteers are needed to help develop better treatments for brain conditions.
You'll have three short study visits involving brain scans and computer tasks.
Risks are minimal, mainly temporary headaches, and you can withdraw anytime.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be a healthy adult between the ages of 18 and 60. You should also be covered by a health insurance plan.

There are several reasons why someone might not be able to join. For instance, if you have a history of drug or alcohol misuse, or if you've taken certain medications recently. If you have any neurological conditions like epilepsy, or other brain health issues like ADHD or Borderline Personality Disorder, you won't be able to take part. Also, if you have severe vision problems that can't be corrected, this study won't be suitable.

It's also important that you don't have any metal in your body that can't be removed, like certain implants or pacemakers, as these can make MRI scans and rTMS unsafe. Pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot participate, and you shouldn't be involved in another clinical study at the same time.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Do you have a health insurance plan?
Do you have any metal implants or devices in your body?
Have you ever had a seizure or been diagnosed with epilepsy?
Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you had any issues with drug or alcohol misuse in the recent past?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you'll be one of 40 healthy volunteers. You'll be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will receive stimulation that aims to increase brain activity, while the other will receive stimulation that aims to decrease it.

You'll visit the study site three times, and the order of these visits will be random. During each visit, you'll receive a different type of stimulation: one session will target Lobule VIII in your brain, another will target CRUS I/II, and the third will be a placebo (dummy) stimulation that feels similar but doesn't actually affect your brain.

During each of these sessions, researchers will use special brain scans called fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and ask you to complete tasks on a computer. These tests help them see how the stimulation changes your brain's connections and how well you perform on activities that involve movement and thinking. The total duration of your participation will depend on the scheduling of these three visits.

Potential risks and benefits

While there are no direct medical benefits for you as a participant, your contribution is vital for researchers to develop better treatments for people with brain conditions in the future. The risks involved are considered very low. You might experience a mild, temporary headache or hear a clicking sound during the rTMS stimulation. MRI scans can sometimes cause slight discomfort or a feeling of being in a tight space, though the researchers will provide hearing protection and medical supervision to help with this. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France

Common questions

What is rTMS?

rTMS stands for repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It's a non-invasive way to stimulate brain cells using magnetic fields, without surgery or needles.

Is rTMS safe?

Yes, rTMS is generally considered safe. The most common side effects are mild headaches, which usually don't last long.

What is the cerebellum?

The cerebellum is a major part of your brain located at the back of your head. It helps with movement, balance, and even some thinking processes.

Will I feel any pain during the study?

You might feel a tapping sensation on your head from the rTMS or hear clicking sounds. Sometimes people get mild headaches, but significant pain is not expected.

Will my brain be affected permanently?

No, the effects of the stimulation in this study are expected to be temporary and not cause any lasting changes to your brain.

How to find out more

Anne GIERSCH

giersch@unistra.fr +33(0)3 88 11 64 71 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.