Real-time Neurofeedback Training of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Based on Positive Episodic Future Thinking

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Healthy; Neurofeedback

• Registration Number: NCT06787248
• Lead Sponsor: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China

Brief Summary

Randomized active-sham controlled between-subject real-time fMRI neurofeedback trial aiming to modulate activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to improve subjective positive anticipation.

Detailed Description

A randomized double-blind sham-controlled between-subject design using real-time fMRI neurofeedback. In a randomized order, a total of 60 healthy subjects will be recruited and assigned (1) experimental group (EG; N=30), which receives real neurofeedback from the left medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), or (2) control group (CG; N=30) which receives sham neurofeedback from the primary motor cortex (M1). Neurofeedback training consists of 1 baseline session without feedback, 4 training sessions with real-time feedback, and and 1 transfer session without feedback. Resting state fMRI will be employed to explore neural effects. Objectives are to determine (1) if subjects in the neurofeedback (NF) group can gain volitional control over the mPFC activation using positive episodic regulation strategy, (2) whether successful increased modulation of the mPFC could enhance positive anticipation for future events and motivation (using the Effort-Expenditure for Reward Task, EEfRT).

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2024-12
• Study Start: 2025-01-01
• Study First Submitted: 2025-01-15
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-01-15
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-01-15
• Study First Posted: 2025-01-22
• Last Update Posted: 2025-01-22
• Primary Completion: 2027-05-01
• Study Completion: 2027-07-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

• Healthy subjects without any past or present psychiatric or neurological disorders

Exclusion Criteria

• History of brain injury
• Psychiatric or Neurological Disorder
• Contraindications for MRI
• Regular use of psychotropic substances (medication, drugs)

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Neural activity of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) based on blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal	1 hour	Training-induced changes in mPFC activity will be assessed by analyzing BOLD-level activation of the mPFC

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Training-related changes in anticipated pleasure	1 hour	Participants will be required to rate the anticipated pleasantness of future events using a Likert Scale ranging from 1 to 9 (1 = not at all pleasant) and 9 = very pleasant).
Training-related changes in motivational effort	1 hour	Training-induced changes in motivational effort as measured by the Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China(UESTC); 🇨🇳 Chengdu, Sichuan, China