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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 (rTMS: when more than one pulse is delivered per second). We will compare different rTMS protocols (e.g. intensity, duration, time between pulses) to see if they produce different effects on the body based on changes in blood, physiological activity (e.g. heart rate, muscle activity, skin conductance, blood pressure), 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.
What is involved if I Participate?
As a participant, you will complete a series of visits with brain imaging, non-invasive brain stimulation with TMS, blood draws, physiological monitoring (i.e., skin conductance, heart rate, respiration, skin temperature, and blood pressure), and physical performance testing. The researchers want to see if non-invasive brain stimulation can change physical performance and stress hormones. Visits will take place at the Neuromuscular Research Lab in Southside as well as in Oakland. Want to get involved? Fill out our contact form and a member of the study team will be in touch soon!