Depression DisorderNCT07753473
Modulatory Effects of Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on Heart-Brain Coupling in Individuals With Depressive Tendencies
A study testing DLPFC-insula TMS, DLPFC-sgACC TMS and 10-20 F3 TMS in people with Depression Disorder and fMRI Research, run by Xidian University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This study focuses on individuals with depressive tendencies and investigates the regulatory effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)-guided by personalized functional connectivity mapping-on heart-brain coupling in this population, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms.Participants will undergo 3T… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Depression Disorder, fMRI Research, Heart-Brain Coupling
- What is being tested?
- DLPFC-insula TMS, DLPFC-sgACC TMS and 10-20 F3 TMS
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2026to 30 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 一、Inclusion criteria for the depressed group:
- Aged 18-30 years;
- Recent feelings of low mood and presence of depressive symptoms;
- Physically healthy, with no history of neurological disorders;
- No participation in other neuromodulation experiments within the past month;
- Normal hearing and normal (or corrected-to-normal) vision;
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- PHQ-9 score > 5 and BDI-II score > 13;
- Avoidance of staying up late, alcohol consumption, and excessive caffeine intake prior to the experiment;
- Able and willing to cooperate with the completion of scale assessments. 二、Inclusion criteria for healthy participants:
- Aged 18-30 years; (2) No significant symptoms of depression and no history of neuropsychiatric disorders; (3) Physically healthy with no history of neurological disorders; (4) No participation in other neuromodulation experiments within the past month; (5) Normal hearing and normal (or corrected-to-normal) vision; (6) PHQ-9 score < 5 and BDI-II score < 13; (7) Avoidance of staying up late, alcohol consumption, and excessive caffeine intake prior to the experiment; (8) Able and willing to cooperate with the completion of scale assessments.
Who cannot join
- History of head trauma (including neurosurgery), stroke, elevated intracranial pressure, or other brain-related disorders;
- History of epileptic seizures or family history of epilepsy;
- Receipt of TMS or other neuromodulation stimulation within the past month;
- Presence of intracranial or internal metallic foreign bodies, electrodes made of silver or gold, or metal prostheses;
- Presence of devices potentially affected by TMS, such as pacemakers, drug pumps, cochlear implants, or implanted brain stimulators;
- Severe or recent cardiac, pulmonary, or hematopoietic system disorders, or other neurological diseases;
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- Clinically diagnosed moderate-to-severe depressive disorder;
- Substance abuse, alcohol dependence, etc.;
- Current active suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior; Refusal to sign the informed consent form.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
China1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Xidian University
Xi'an, Shaanxi, 71000
Xue-Juan Yang, 13227038185, xjyang@xidian.edu.cn
About this study
Official title: Study on the Regulation of Heart-Brain Coupling in Individuals With Depressive Tendencies Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Based on Personalized Functional Connectivity
This study focuses on individuals with depressive tendencies and investigates the regulatory effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)-guided by personalized functional connectivity mapping-on heart-brain coupling in this population, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms.Participants will undergo 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, followed by four different types of neurostimulation: stimulation targeting individualized Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) -Subgenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex (sgACC) functional connectivity, stimulation targeting individualized DLPFC-insula functional connectivity, standard F3 targeting, and sham stimulation. The order of these stimulation sessions will be randomized. Researchers will simultaneously record the participants' electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) signals before and after stimulation, and will record ECG in real-time during the stimulation. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effects of DLPFC targeting specificity on metrics such as heart-brain coupling in individuals with depressive tendencies, thereby providing a basis for future research on objective assessment and personalized interventions for depression.
Read the detailed description
This is an exploratory, randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled, within-subject crossover study designed to investigate the regulatory effects-and underlying mechanisms-of TMS (based on individualized functional connectivity targeting) on heart-brain coupling in individuals with depressive tendencies.
Participants will undergo structural and functional neuroimaging using a 3T MRI scanner. The imaging protocol includes a structural T1-weighted scan and a functional blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) scan, used for structural image registration and functional connectivity analysis to identify TMS stimulation targets.
In this study targeting individuals with depressive tendencies, each participant will undergo four distinct stimulation conditions: individualized DLPFC-sgACC functional connectivity targeting, individualized DLPFC-insula functional connectivity targeting, standard F3 targeting, and sham stimulation. The order of these four conditions will be balanced using a Latin square design to minimize sequence effects, learning effects, and carry-over effects between conditions; a minimum interval of 5 days will be maintained between experimental sessions. High-frequency Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) will be used for the intervention, with the following parameters: stimulation frequency of 10 Hz, intensity at 90% of resting motor threshold (RMT), 2-second stimulation duration, 8-second inter-train interval, 20 pulses per train, and 45 repetitions (totaling 900 pulses), resulting in a total session duration of approximately 7.5 minutes.
Primary measures include: Phase-Amplitude Coupling (PAC), which reflects real-time information exchange between the central and autonomic nervous systems and serves as a key biomarker for the functional status of the "brain-heart axis"; TMS-induced Heart-Brain Coupling (HBC), which quantifies the rhythmic effects of TMS and provides direct evidence regarding the engagement of the prefrontal-vagal pathway; Heartbeat-Evoked Potentials (HEP), an EEG component extracted via time-locking to the ECG R-peak, which precisely reflects cortical processing of cardiac afferent signals and interoceptive function; and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which reflects the balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation. Secondary measures include EEG power spectra, fMRI data, heart rate (HR), and clinical assessment scales.
- Conditions
- Depression Disorder, fMRI Research, Heart-Brain Coupling
- Being tested
- DLPFC-insula TMS, DLPFC-sgACC TMS, 10-20 F3 TMS, sham TMS
- Keywords
- Functional Connectivity, Individualized treatment, Transcranial magnetic stimulation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
DLPFC-insula TMSDevice
Transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC); the specific insular subregion exerting the greatest negative influence on the left DLPFC was identified based on Granger causality connectivity. Stimulation parameters were as follows: frequency of 10 Hz, intensity of 90% of the resting motor threshold (RMT), a 2-second stimulation duration followed by an 8-second inter-stimulus interval, and 45 repeated sequences (each comprising 20 pulses) for a total of 900 pulses, resulting in a total session duration of approximately 7.5 minutes.
DLPFC-sgACC TMSDevice
Transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with individualized targeting of the region in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex showing the strongest negative functional correlation with the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex. The stimulation parameters were: frequency of 10 Hz, intensity of 90% of the resting motor threshold (RMT), 2-second stimulation duration, and 8-second inter-stimulus interval; each sequence comprised 20 pulses, with 45 sequences repeated for a total of 900 pulses, resulting in a total session duration of approximately 7.5 minutes.
10-20 F3 TMSDevice
Transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, targeting the F3 site based on the international 10-20 system. The stimulation parameters were as follows: frequency of 10 Hz, intensity of 90% RMT, 2-second stimulation duration, 8-second inter-train interval, and 20 pulses per train; a total of 45 trains were delivered (900 pulses in total), with a single session lasting approximately 7.5 minutes.
sham TMSDevice
A form of sham transcranial magnetic stimulation-either inactive or sensory-matched-designed to simulate the sensation of stimulation associated with device activation without delivering therapeutic frequencies.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Personalized stimulation targeting the functional connectivity between the DLPFC-sgACC. | Experimental | At this stage, participants will receive transcranial magnetic stimulation with a frequency of 10Hz and a stimulation intensity of 90% of the resting exercise threshold; Each stimulation lasts for 2 seconds, with a stimulation interval of 8 seconds; A total of 45 repeated stimuli were performed, each containing 20 pulses, for a total of 900 pulses. And the stimulation targets are located through a transcranial magnetic stimulation laser navigation system. The entire stimulation process lasts approximately 7.5 minutes. Receives: Device: DLPFC-sgACC TMS |
| Personalized stimulation targeting DLPFC-insula functional connectivity | Experimental | At this stage, participants will receive transcranial magnetic stimulation with a frequency of 10Hz and a stimulation intensity of 90% of the resting exercise threshold; Each stimulation lasts for 2 seconds, with a stimulation interval of 8 seconds; A total of 45 repeated stimuli were performed, each containing 20 pulses, for a total of 900 pulses. And the stimulation targets are located through a transcranial magnetic stimulation laser navigation system. The entire stimulation process lasts approximately 7.5 minutes. Receives: Device: DLPFC-insula TMS |
| Standard F3 Target Stimulation | Experimental | At this stage, participants will receive transcranial magnetic stimulation with a frequency of 10Hz and a stimulation intensity of 90% of the resting exercise threshold; Each stimulation lasts for 2 seconds, with a stimulation interval of 8 seconds; A total of 45 repeated stimuli were performed, each containing 20 pulses, for a total of 900 pulses. And the stimulation targets are located through 10-20 international standard lead EEG positioning caps. The entire stimulation process lasts approximately 7.5 minutes. Receives: Device: 10-20 F3 TMS |
| sham stimulation | Sham comparator | At this stage, participants will receive transcranial magnetic stimulation with a frequency of 10Hz and a stimulation intensity of 90% of the resting exercise threshold; Each stimulation lasts for 2 seconds with an interval of 8 seconds. Using a transcranial magnetic stimulation laser navigation system to locate stimulation targets, rotate the stimulation coil 90 degrees to apply false stimulation. The entire stimulation process lasts approximately 7.5 minutes. Receives: Device: sham TMS |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
TMS-induced heart-brain coupling
By linking the stimulation rhythm to the inter-beat interval and quantifying the rhythmic effects of TMS, direct evidence is provided regarding the engagement of the prefrontal-vagal pathway.
Measured: Perioperative. During the 7-minute-22-second treatment period under each stimulation condition.
Phase-amplitude coupling
It reflects the real-time exchange of information between the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system, serving as an important biomarker of the functional status of the "brain-heart axis."
Measured: Perioperative period. Specifically, within 10 minutes before and after each stimulus condition.
Heartbeat-evoked potentials
An EEG component extracted via time-locking to the cardiac R-peak. It precisely reflects the cerebral cortex's processing of cardiac afferent signals and interoceptive function.
Measured: Perioperative period. Specifically, within 10 minutes before and after each stimulus condition.
Secondary outcomes (3)
EEG power spectrum
It describes the distribution of power (energy) of EEG signals as a function of frequency. By transforming complex time-domain EEG signals into the frequency domain, it reveals energy distribution across different frequency bands, thereby helping to identify changes in the brain's functional state under various conditions.
Measured: Perioperative period. Specifically, within 10 minutes before and after each stimulus condition.
Functional connectivity of brain networks
The analysis of functional connectivity in brain networks aims to reveal the mechanisms of coordinated activity among brain regions and dynamic individual differences, thereby providing an objective scientific basis for the diagnosis, elucidation of pathological mechanisms, and precision treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Measured: Baseline. During the 6-minute-30-second fMRI scan.
Transient Assessment Scale
Patient Health Questionnaire -9 items, with a total score range of 0-27 points. The higher the score, the more severe the depressive symptoms may be.
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) has a total score range of 0-63, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms.
The State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is a psychological assessment tool used to measure anxiety, divided into two subscales: state anxiety and trait anxiety. The total score of each subscale ranges from 20 to 80 points, with higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety.
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is used to evaluate sleep quality in clinical and basic research, with a total score ranging from 0 to 21 on the PSQI scale. The higher the score, the worse the sleep quality.
Measured: Baseline and Perioperative.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Aug 2026
- Study start1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Depression DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Xidian University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07753473
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 20260721
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 7 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Study on the Regulation of Heart-Brain Coupling in Individuals With Depressive Tendencies Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Based on Personalized Functional Connectivity
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07753473
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 20260721
- Conditions
- Depression Disorder, fMRI Research, Heart-Brain Coupling
- Keywords
- Functional Connectivity, Individualized treatment, Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Xidian UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 7 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study focuses on individuals with depressive tendencies and investigates the regulatory effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)-guided by personalized functional connectivity mapping-on heart-brain coupling in this population, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms.Participants will undergo 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, followed by four different types of neurostimulation: stimulation targeting individualized Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) -Subgenual Anterior Cingulate Cortex (sgACC) functional connectivity, stimulation targeting individualized DLPFC-insula functional connectivity, standard F3 targeting, and sham stimulation. The order of these stimulation sessions will be randomized. Researchers will simultaneously record the participants' electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) signals before and after stimulation, and will record ECG in real-time during the stimulation. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effects of DLPFC targeting specificity on metrics such as heart-brain coupling in individuals with depressive tendencies, thereby providing a basis for future research on objective assessment and personalized interventions for depression.
Detailed description
This is an exploratory, randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled, within-subject crossover study designed to investigate the regulatory effects-and underlying mechanisms-of TMS (based on individualized functional connectivity targeting) on heart-brain coupling in individuals with depressive tendencies.
Participants will undergo structural and functional neuroimaging using a 3T MRI scanner. The imaging protocol includes a structural T1-weighted scan and a functional blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) scan, used for structural image registration and functional connectivity analysis to identify TMS stimulation targets.
In this study targeting individuals with depressive tendencies, each participant will undergo four distinct stimulation conditions: individualized DLPFC-sgACC functional connectivity targeting, individualized DLPFC-insula functional connectivity targeting, standard F3 targeting, and sham stimulation. The order of these four conditions will be balanced using a Latin square design to minimize sequence effects, learning effects, and carry-over effects between conditions; a minimum interval of 5 days will be maintained between experimental sessions. High-frequency Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) will be used for the intervention, with the following parameters: stimulation frequency of 10 Hz, intensity at 90% of resting motor threshold (RMT), 2-second stimulation duration, 8-second inter-train interval, 20 pulses per train, and 45 repetitions (totaling 900 pulses), resulting in a total session duration of approximately 7.5 minutes.
Primary measures include: Phase-Amplitude Coupling (PAC), which reflects real-time information exchange between the central and autonomic nervous systems and serves as a key biomarker for the functional status of the "brain-heart axis"; TMS-induced Heart-Brain Coupling (HBC), which quantifies the rhythmic effects of TMS and provides direct evidence regarding the engagement of the prefrontal-vagal pathway; Heartbeat-Evoked Potentials (HEP), an EEG component extracted via time-locking to the ECG R-peak, which precisely reflects cortical processing of cardiac afferent signals and interoceptive function; and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which reflects the balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation. Secondary measures include EEG power spectra, fMRI data, heart rate (HR), and clinical assessment scales.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Personalized stimulation targeting the functional connectivity between the DLPFC-sgACC. | Experimental | Device: DLPFC-sgACC TMSAt this stage, participants will receive transcranial magnetic stimulation with a frequency of 10Hz and a stimulation intensity of 90% of the resting exercise threshold; Each stimulation lasts for 2 seconds, with a stimulation interval of 8 seconds; A total of 45 repeated stimuli were performed, each containing 20 pulses, for a total of 900 pulses. And the stimulation targets are located through a transcranial magnetic stimulation laser navigation system. The entire stimulation process lasts approximately 7.5 minutes. |
| Personalized stimulation targeting DLPFC-insula functional connectivity | Experimental | Device: DLPFC-insula TMSAt this stage, participants will receive transcranial magnetic stimulation with a frequency of 10Hz and a stimulation intensity of 90% of the resting exercise threshold; Each stimulation lasts for 2 seconds, with a stimulation interval of 8 seconds; A total of 45 repeated stimuli were performed, each containing 20 pulses, for a total of 900 pulses. And the stimulation targets are located through a transcranial magnetic stimulation laser navigation system. The entire stimulation process lasts approximately 7.5 minutes. |
| Standard F3 Target Stimulation | Experimental | Device: 10-20 F3 TMSAt this stage, participants will receive transcranial magnetic stimulation with a frequency of 10Hz and a stimulation intensity of 90% of the resting exercise threshold; Each stimulation lasts for 2 seconds, with a stimulation interval of 8 seconds; A total of 45 repeated stimuli were performed, each containing 20 pulses, for a total of 900 pulses. And the stimulation targets are located through 10-20 international standard lead EEG positioning caps. The entire stimulation process lasts approximately 7.5 minutes. |
| sham stimulation | Sham comparator | Device: sham TMSAt this stage, participants will receive transcranial magnetic stimulation with a frequency of 10Hz and a stimulation intensity of 90% of the resting exercise threshold; Each stimulation lasts for 2 seconds with an interval of 8 seconds. Using a transcranial magnetic stimulation laser navigation system to locate stimulation targets, rotate the stimulation coil 90 degrees to apply false stimulation. The entire stimulation process lasts approximately 7.5 minutes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Aged 18-30 years;
- Recent feelings of low mood and presence of depressive symptoms;
- Physically healthy, with no history of neurological disorders;
- No participation in other neuromodulation experiments within the past month;
- Normal hearing and normal (or corrected-to-normal) vision;
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- History of head trauma (including neurosurgery), stroke, elevated intracranial pressure, or other brain-related disorders;
- History of epileptic seizures or family history of epilepsy;
- Receipt of TMS or other neuromodulation stimulation within the past month;
- Presence of intracranial or internal metallic foreign bodies, electrodes made of silver or gold, or metal prostheses;
- Presence of devices potentially affected by TMS, such as pacemakers, drug pumps, cochlear implants, or implanted brain stimulators;
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| DLPFC-insula TMSTranscranial magnetic stimulation was applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC); the specific insular subregion exerting the greatest negative influence on the left DLPFC was identified based on Granger causality connectivity. Stimulation parameters were as follows: frequency of 10 Hz, intensity of 90% of the resting motor threshold (RMT), a 2-second stimulation duration followed by an 8-second inter-stimulus interval, and 45 repeated sequences (each comprising 20 pulses) for a total of 900 pulses, resulting in a total session duration of approximately 7.5 minutes. | Device | Personalized stimulation targeting DLPFC-insula functional connectivity |
| DLPFC-sgACC TMSTranscranial magnetic stimulation was applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with individualized targeting of the region in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex showing the strongest negative functional correlation with the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex. The stimulation parameters were: frequency of 10 Hz, intensity of 90% of the resting motor threshold (RMT), 2-second stimulation duration, and 8-second inter-stimulus interval; each sequence comprised 20 pulses, with 45 sequences repeated for a total of 900 pulses, resulting in a total session duration of approximately 7.5 minutes. | Device | Personalized stimulation targeting the functional connectivity between the DLPFC-sgACC. |
| 10-20 F3 TMSTranscranial magnetic stimulation was applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, targeting the F3 site based on the international 10-20 system. The stimulation parameters were as follows: frequency of 10 Hz, intensity of 90% RMT, 2-second stimulation duration, 8-second inter-train interval, and 20 pulses per train; a total of 45 trains were delivered (900 pulses in total), with a single session lasting approximately 7.5 minutes. | Device | Standard F3 Target Stimulation |
| sham TMSA form of sham transcranial magnetic stimulation-either inactive or sensory-matched-designed to simulate the sensation of stimulation associated with device activation without delivering therapeutic frequencies. | Device | sham stimulation |
Primary outcome
TMS-induced heart-brain coupling
Time frame: Perioperative. During the 7-minute-22-second treatment period under each stimulation condition.
By linking the stimulation rhythm to the inter-beat interval and quantifying the rhythmic effects of TMS, direct evidence is provided regarding the engagement of the prefrontal-vagal pathway.
Phase-amplitude coupling
Time frame: Perioperative period. Specifically, within 10 minutes before and after each stimulus condition.
It reflects the real-time exchange of information between the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system, serving as an important biomarker of the functional status of the "brain-heart axis."
Heartbeat-evoked potentials
Time frame: Perioperative period. Specifically, within 10 minutes before and after each stimulus condition.
An EEG component extracted via time-locking to the cardiac R-peak. It precisely reflects the cerebral cortex's processing of cardiac afferent signals and interoceptive function.
3 secondary outcomes
EEG power spectrum
Time frame: Perioperative period. Specifically, within 10 minutes before and after each stimulus condition.
Functional connectivity of brain networks
Time frame: Baseline. During the 6-minute-30-second fMRI scan.
Transient Assessment Scale
Time frame: Baseline and Perioperative.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing DLPFC-insula TMS, DLPFC-sgACC TMS and 10-20 F3 TMS in people with Depression Disorder and fMRI Research, run by Xidian University at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Xue-Juan, Yang (13227038185, xjyang@xidian.edu.cn), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
TMS-induced heart-brain coupling (time frame: Perioperative. During the 7-minute-22-second treatment period under each stimulation condition.). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Aug 2026.