The goal of the current clinical trial is to investigate whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over specific brain areas can influence the perception of emotional images and emotional memory. TMS is a non-invasive superficial brain stimulation generated by a magnetic field. The results of the study aim to provide valuable insights for the use of TMS in the investigation of mental processes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
33
Bilateral continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) 30 Hz to the temporo-occipital cortex * Frequency: trains of 30 Hz (3 pulses) every 167 ms (frequency of 6 Hz, in the range of theta band) * Intensity: 100% of resting motor threshold (rMT) * Location: consecutively on left and right temporo-occipital cortex (MNI: -47, -77, 4; 50, -69, -4) * Duration: 33.3 seconds for each side * Timing: Immediately before showing IAPS pictures (off-line)
Active control condition using bilateral continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) 30 Hz to the superior parietal cortex * Frequency: trains of 30 Hz (3 pulses) every 167 ms (frequency of 6 Hz, in the range of theta band) * Intensity: 100% of resting motor threshold (rMT) * Location: consecutively on left and right superior parietal cortex (MNI: -17, -70, 60; 17, -70, 60) * Duration: 33.3 seconds * Timing: Immediately before showing IAPS pictures (off-line)
University of Basel, Division of Cognitive Neuroscience
Basel, Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland
RECRUITINGEmotional valence for aversive pictures
The mean valence rating of aversive pictures as assessed by a visual analogue scale assessed directly after TMS.
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention, lasting for approximately 7 minutes
Emotional arousal
The mean arousal rating of aversive pictures as assessed by a visual analogue scale assessed directly after TMS.
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention, lasting for approximately 7 minutes
Aversive episodic memory
Number of aversive pictures remembered in a free recall pictorial task using IAPS picture set
Time frame: Approximately one hour after the intervention
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