Oscillation and connectivity changes due to brain stimulation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Oscillation and connectivity changes due to paired pulses of transcranial magnetic stimulation
IRAS ID
332342
Contact name
Edwin M Robertson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
332342, IRAS
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Brain stimulation has the potential to enhance human performance. To develop this potential, it is vital to develop a deeper understanding of its effects upon brain function. Stimulation – specifically Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) – may affect network connections. TMS pulses delivered to connected brain areas are envisaged to change the strength of the connection between areas. But only when the pulses from the two distant areas are timed to converge at, or around the same time on a common site. The timing of communication across networks is determined by the “brain waves” or oscillations between brain areas. Hence, the delay for an event at one brain area, such as a TMS pulse, to propagate to a distant brain area - at or around the time when another pulse delivered to the distant area - is likely affected by oscillations. We will test our hypothesis by determining the relationship between the delay needed to cause connection changes between pairs of brain areas, and the underlying oscillations. We will also test whether changes in connection strength can causatively drive a change in human performance. The work will be conducted at the University of Glasgow, on healthy young participants, and is not expected to directly benefit those participants. Overall, our project provides fundamental insight into how stimulation affects brain function, and a novel strategy for modifying human performance.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
23/WS/0145
Date of REC Opinion
20 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion