Participants Wanted for Research Study on Physiological Resilience

The purpose of this study is to determine whether non-invasive brain stimulation can be used to improve physical performance and resilience (i.e., the ability to recover from stressful events). We will take pictures with MRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to locate the areas of the brain that we intend to stimulate with repetitive TMS (when more than one pulse is delivered per second). We will compare different rTMS protocols (intensity, duration, time between pulses) to see if they produce different effects on the body based on changes in blood, physiological activity, and mood. We will also test performance on a maximal exercise test, which involves cycling with increasing difficulty until exhaustion. You will have an opportunity to participate in follow-on research to determine how your body responds to multiple sessions of rTMS. ​You will be compensated for your time.

If you meet these requirements:

Man or woman aged 18 – 40 years
No metal in body or implanted medical devices including metal dental retainer or copper IUD
Physically active a minimum of 150 minutes per week
Comfortable completing maximal exercise
No history of epilepsy, seizure, or sleep disorders
No history of neurological, cardiovascular, or other major disorders
No current brain injury, psychiatric, or mental health disorders
Right-handed and legged
Not pregnant
Weight of no more than 300lbs

Please contact Lauren Runkel, nmrlneurolab@pitt.edu or 412-246-0470 for more information.