rTMS for Executive Function Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Interventions: Device: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

• Registration Number: NCT02311751
• Lead Sponsor: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Brief Summary

In this study, the investigators will be examining the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on executive function deficits in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Half of the participants will be chosen by chance to receive active rTMS stimulation while half will be chosen by chance to receive sham rTMS. Sham rTMS will feel the same as active rTMS only there will be no direct brain stimulation. This is necessary to ensure that active rTMS is efficacious in the enhancement of executive function in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Based on results from a recently published pilot study, the investigators propose that active rTMS treatment will result in a significant improvement in working memory performance compared to sham rTMS treatment.

Detailed Description

This study is a randomized, double blind, sham controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for executive function deficits in individuals with autism spectrum disorder between 16 and 25 years of age. The study duration is approximately 3 months, with the rTMS sessions lasting for 4 weeks, 5 times a week, for about 1 hour each. Several scales will be used to assess for symptom severity and adaptive functioning. Cognition will be assessed using a validated battery.

This study also involves a type of brain imaging known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the beginning and at the end of the 4 weeks of daily rTMS to better understand the effects of rTMS on brain structure and function. Investigators will measure the size and connections of different parts of the brain to assess brain structure and blood flow while participants are completing some basic tasks to asses brain function.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2014-10
• Study First Submitted: 2014-11-25
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-12-05
• Study First Posted: 2014-12-08
• Primary Completion: 2018-05-04
• Study Completion: 2018-05-04
• Status Verified: 2019-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2019-03-05
• Last Update Posted: 2019-03-06

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 40

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Active rTMS	Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation	Active treatment will be delivered at an intensity that is 90% of the resting motor threshold (RMT). Stimulation will be delivered at 20 Hz with 25 simulation trains of 30 stimuli each (i.e., 750 stimuli) and an intertrain interval of 30 sec. Treatment will be applied in sequential order bilaterally to the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The order of bilateral stimulation (i.e. right then left or left than right) will be held constant for all 20 treatments. Intervention: Device: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Sham rTMS	Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation	Sham stimulation will be delivered using the same stimulation parameters and at the site of active treatment, but with only the side-edge resting on the scalp. The coil will be angled 45 degrees way from the skull in a single-wing tilt position. This method produces sound and some somatic sensation (e.g. contraction of scalp muscles) similar to those of active stimulation, but with minimal direct brain effects. Intervention: Device: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in accuracy on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) Spatial Working Memory Task	Baseline; Post rTMS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up ( 4 weeks after post rTMS); 6 month follow up (post rTMS); One year follow up (post rTMS)	Specifically the investigators will evaluate the changes in spatial working memory scores before and after rTMS treatment.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in scores on Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (A) (BRIEF) (A)	Baseline; Post rTMS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up ( 4 weeks after post rTMS); 6 month follow up (post rTMS); One year follow up (post rTMS)	Specifically the investigators will evaluate the changes in executive function (EF) scores before and after rTMS treatment.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Centre for Addictions and Mental Health; 🇨🇦 Toronto, Ontario, Canada