Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for Executive Function Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Effects on Brain Structure: A Pilot Study
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 40
- 试验地点
- 2
- 主要终点
- Change in accuracy on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) Spatial Working Memory Task
研究概览
简要总结
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.
详细描述
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.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 16 Years 至 35 Years（Child, Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- 未提供
排除标准
- 未提供
研究组 & 干预措施
Active rTMS
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
干预措施: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Device)
Sham rTMS
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
干预措施: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Device)
结局指标
主要结局
Change in accuracy on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) Spatial Working Memory Task
时间窗: 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.
次要结局
- 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))
研究者
Stephanie Ameis
Clinician Scientist
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health