Modulating Goal-directed Navigation Using Noninvasive Brain Stimulation

Modulating Spatial Processing During Goal-directed Navigation Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Our specific aim is to examine the effects of TMS on spatial processing during goal-directed navigation. In these experiments the investigators will utilize a scalp-recorded brain oscillation called right posterior theta that is believed to index the sensitivity of the parahippocampal cortex to spatial context. Here the investigators will asked whether this electrophysiological signal can be modulated up or down using TMS while participants engage in virtual navigation tasks, and if so, whether it would affect the spatial encoding of rewards and subsequent choices during task performance.

The design is primarily a randomized control-trial design (3 sessions), testing the effects of 10-Hz rTMS and single-pulse TMS on spatial processing during goal-directed navigation tasks. Subjects will be randomly assigned to an active or sham group. All participants will be asked to complete two TMS sessions within two weeks. For the active TMS group, participants will be scanned using a 3 Tesla MRI system and will receive a structural (T1) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) scan (Session A). For each subsequent TMS session, the TMS coil will be placed 1cm above the scalp over a right parietal region displaying maximum connectivity patterns with the parahippocampal cortex. Subjects will be randomly assigned to a 10-Hz rTMS protocol or single-pulse TMS protocol. At the start of the first TMS session (Session B), participants will be fitted with an EEG cap and engage in a virtual T-maze reward task. In this task, subjects will be asked to choose the left or right alley of the maze, and after their response, they will received a reward stimulus (apple or orange) which will indicate whether the participant will receive 5 or 0 cents on that trial. For the 10-Hz group, the task will be divided into 2 blocks (225 trials per block). At the start of Block 1, the robotic arm will position the TMS coil <1 cm over the right parietal target. Next, 50 rTMS pulses will be delivered at 110% of participants' rMT at 10-Hz continuously over the target immediately before every 10 trials of the T-maze. A total of 2250 pulses will be delivered and 450 T-maze trials completed. For the single-pulse group, the T-maze task will be divided into 2 blocks (225 trials per block). For the first block, a single TMS pulse will be delivered at 110% of participants' rMT over the TMS target immediately following trial-to-trial feedback and at the peak phase of the evoked theta oscillations (closed-loop). Following 10 trials of single-pulse, subjects will complete 5 trials with no TMS (total 150 TMS trials, 75 no-TMS trials). For the second block, a single TMS pulse will be delivered over the TMS target immediately following trial-to-trial feedback and at the trough phase of the evoked theta oscillation (peak and trough order will be counterbalanced across subjects). Following 10 trials of single-pulse, subjects will complete 5 trials with no TMS (total 150 TMS trials, 75 no-TMS trials). A total of 300 TMS trials and 150 no-TMS trials of the T-maze task will be performed. At the end of Session B, participants will be scheduled to return to the laboratory to complete Session C on a separate day. At the start of the second TMS session (Session C), participants will be fitted with an EEG cap and engage in the Linear Track Maze. During the encoding phase of this task, subjects will be presented with five distinct landmarks (pillars) along the track. Each time they reach a landmark, they stop for 500 ms and an apple (a reward, 5 cents) or an orange (no reward, 0 cents) appears. Only one landmark is associated with a reward. Following the encoding phase, the recall phase starts and subjects are shown both old and new landmarks. Subjects are instructed to indicate via button press which of these pillars was accompanied by a reward and earn the reward by correctly identifying the reward pillar. Recall performance will be assessed using d-prime, which represents how well subjects were able to recall the correct reward location. In total, subjects perform 200 trials across four blocks (50 trials each), resulting in a duration of roughly 30 minutes. For each block of the encoding phase, a single TMS pulses will be delivered at either at the peak, trough, ascending, descending phase of the evoked theta oscillation following the onset of the reward stimulus. (phase target order will be counterbalanced across blocks and subjects). The investigators will then test the effect of phase stimulation on recall performance as assed using d-prime. Identical protocols will be applied to the Sham groups with the exception that the TMS coil will be targeted at electrode position P4 and flipped 180 degrees, preventing pulses from hitting the scalp.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Be between the ages of 18 and 55 years old.
2. Not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days.
3. Be in stable mental and physical health.
4. If female, test non-pregnant.
5. No evidence of focal or diffuse brain lesion on MRI.
6. Be willing to provide informed consent.
7. Be able to comply with protocol requirements and likely to complete all study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Contraindication to MRI (e.g., presence of metal in the skull, orbits or intracranial cavity, claustrophobia).
2. Contraindication to rTMS (history of neurological disorder or seizure, increased intracranial pressure, brain surgery, or head trauma with loss of consciousness for > 15 minutes, implanted electronic device, metal in the head, or pregnancy).
3. History of autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorder affecting the brain.
4. History or MRI evidence of neurological disorder that would lead to local or diffuse brain lesions or significant physical impairment.
5. Life time history of mental disorders such as: Bipolar Affective disorder (BPAD), Schizophrenia, Post-traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) or Dementia or Major Depression.

uninterruptable central nervous system medication.