NCT06108336 · Johns Hopkins University
Cerebellar Involvement in Cognitive Sequencing
What this study is about
Although there is increasing recognition that the cerebellum is involved in cognition as well as motor function, the manner in which the cerebellum contributes to cognition is uncertain. One theory that might account for both motor and cognitive contributions of the cerebellum is that the cerebellum is involved in sequencing of relevant events or stimuli.
View original scientific description
Although there is increasing recognition that the cerebellum is involved in cognition as well as motor function, the manner in which the cerebellum contributes to cognition is uncertain. One theory that might account for both motor and cognitive contributions of the cerebellum is that the cerebellum is involved in sequencing of relevant events or stimuli. Previous experiments have suggested that disruption of the cerebellum impairs the prediction of the next event in a sequence. The present experiment will examine the impact of cerebellar stimulation on brain activation during the performance of both sequence-demanding and non-sequence-demanding tasks.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
TMS during sequence-demanding task
TMS is administered during the execution of sequence-demanding task. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and non-invasive technique for transiently modulating brain activity
PROCEDURE
No TMS during sequence-demanding task
TMS is not administered during the execution of sequence-demanding task.
PROCEDURE
TMS during non-sequence-demanding task
TMS is administered during the execution of non-sequence-demanding task. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and non-invasive technique for transiently modulating brain activity
PROCEDURE
No TMS during non-sequence-demanding task
TMS is not administered during the execution of non-sequence-demanding task
Primary outcome measures
functional magnetic resonance imaging brain activation
Time frame: during scan up to 1 hour
functional magnetic resonance imaging brain activation. For the sequential task, a sequence of letters is presented and the subject is presented with number signs, one at a time, to guide rehearsal of the sequence. At some point a probe letter is presented and the subject indicates by button press if the probe is the next letter in the sequence. For the non-sequential task, subjects do not have a guided rehearsal, and the response to the probe indicates if the probe was one of the letters originally presented. Brain activation in response to the probe will be measured with brain stimulation vs no brain stimulation for each task
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 1\) Age 18-50;
- 2\) educational attainment of at least 8 years;
- 3\) capable of giving informed consent;
- 4\) fluent speaker of English by self-report;
- 5\) right handed.
Exclusion criteria
- 1\) illicit drug use within 30 days of MRI scanning;
- 2\) neurological or systemic disorder which can cause dementia or cognitive dysfunction;
- 3\) history of an Axis I psychiatric disorder including substance use disorder;
- 4\) history of definite stroke;
- 5\) focal lesion on MRI exam;
- 6\) uncorrected visual deficits by self-report
- 7\) contraindications for MRI scanning
- 8\) use of anxiolytic, antidepressant, neuroleptic, or sedative medication
- 9\) Additional exclusion criteria recommended by Wassermann for TMS neuromodulation, including: History of seizure or a family history of epilepsy, heart disease, intracardiac lines, increased intracranial pressure, history of head trauma, and history of respiratory disease
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
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Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
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Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
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Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations