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Theta-burst Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TBS) of the Right Inferior Frontal Gyrus for Treatment of Nicotine Dependence

Theta-burst Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TBS) of the Right Inferior Frontal Gyrus for Treatment of Nicotine Dependence

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05389670
Enrollment
60
Registered
2022-05-25
Start date
2025-07-01
Completion date
2026-04-01
Last updated
2024-08-14

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Tobacco Use Disorder

Brief summary

The purpose of this research study is to examine the effects of theta-burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on inhibitory control and smoking among adult cigarette smokers. In a double-blind, sham controlled trial, investigators will examine the effects of 12 sessions of cTBS on executive function and smoking behavior.

Interventions

Theta-burst stimulation (TBS), a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), affects brain areas stimulated directly underneath the scalp and brain areas that are functionally connected. Continuous TBS (cTBS) which is thought to temporarily dampen brain activity in that specific area.

DEVICESham Continuous Theta-burst stimulation (cTBS)

Sham cTBS, inhibitory-like patterned form of TMS.

Sponsors

University of Missouri-Columbia
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

1. 18-65 yrs. of age 2. Smoke \> 5 cigarettes/day for ≥ 2 yrs, and expired carbon monoxide (CO) concentration of ≥ 8 ppm 3. English Fluency 4. Functional Vision (with corrective lenses as needed)

Exclusion criteria

1. Use of psychotropic and antiepileptic medications in the last month 2. Presence of an untreated illness or serious medical condition 3. History of major neurological illness 4. Contraindication to TMS (history of neurological disorder or seizure, increased intracranial pressure, brain surgery, or head trauma with loss of consciousness for \>15 min., implanted electronic device, metal in the head) 5. Any use of substances that lower seizure threshold 6. Current or past psychosis 7. Electroconvulsive therapy in last 6 months 8. Unstable cardiac disease or hypertension, severe renal or liver insufficiency, or sleep apnea 9. BAC greater than 0.0. 10. Positive urine pregnancy test 11. Any other concern that in the investigator's opinion would impact participant safety, study instruction compliance, or confound the interpretation of the study results

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in the number (#) of cigarettes per day.2 monthsThe effects of 12 sessions of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to the right inferior frontal gyrus (r.IFG) on cigarettes per day (CPD). This is measured by a core daily cigarette diary and will be measured following treatment and after making a quit attempt at: days 14, 21 and 28.
Cigarette craving scores (#) as measured by the questionnaire of smoking urges brief (QSUb).2 monthsThe effects of 12 sessions of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to the right inferior frontal gyrus (r.IFG) on cigarette craving. This will be measured at the end of every visit to the laboratory. The Questionnaire of Smoking Urges brief (QSUb) rages from 0 to 70. Lower scores equal less craving, meaning the lower the score, the better the outcome.
Percent (%) correct on an inhibitory control GoGo/NoGo task.2 monthsThe effects of 12 sessions of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to the right inferior frontal gyrus (r.IFG) on inhibitory control (IC) task performance. This will be measured at : baseline; after completing 12 sessions of cTBS treatment, 3-7 days following making a quit attempt and at days 14, 21 and 28 following quit attempt.
Craving regulation scores (#) on a regulation of craving task.2 monthsThe effects of 12 sessions of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to the right inferior frontal gyrus (r.IFG) on regulation of craving (ROC) task performance. This will be measured at : baseline; after completing 12 sessions of cTBS treatment, 3-7 days following making a quit attempt and at days 14, 21 and 28 following quit attempt.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Symptoms scores (#) as measured by the review of symptoms (ROS) questionnaire.2 monthsThe safety and tolerability of 12 sessions of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to the right inferior frontal gyrus (r.IFG). This will be measured at the end of each cTBS treatment visit in the laboratory and each follow up visit. The Review of Symptoms (ROS) Questionnaire ranges from 0 to 75. Lower scores equal less symptoms, meaning the lower the score, the better the outcome.

Contacts

Primary ContactMadhura Athreya, MS
athreyam@health.missouri.edu5738822977
Backup ContactBrett Froeliger, PhD
froeligerb@health.missouri.edu5738824785

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026