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NCT07469631
Inner speech (the "little voice" in our heads) plays a central role in our ability to perform complex cognitive tasks such as problem solving, reading, writing, thinking, and self awareness. It is estimated that at least a quarter of our lives is accompanied by inner speech, whether deliberate (mentally making a list) or more spontaneous (mind wandering). Although central to human life, its neural bases remain poorly understood. It has been recently discovered a single region in the human prefrontal cortex absent in nonhuman primates, the prefrontal operculum (PFO), which shows a pattern of functional connectivity with the rest of the brain that could give it a role in controlling inner speech. The aim of this research is to understand how the brain generates and controls inner speech using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Dysfunctions of inner speech, especially when spontaneous and wandering, can lead to severe mental disorders (anxiety disorders, depression, verbal auditory hallucinations). It is therefore crucial to identify the role of the PFO and the networks that involve it, particularly the precuneus, in controlling inner speech across its different manifestations. The first hypothesis is that the PFO and the networks that include it play a key role in the cognitive control of inner speech in participants who experience inner speech. The second hypothesis is that the PFO is hyperactive in participants who lack inner speech (so called aphantasics), preventing the production of inner speech. To test these hypotheses, participants will complete a battery of well established questionnaires to determine whether they can produce inner speech (control participants with typical inner speech) or not (aphantasic participants). These participants will take part in an fMRI study contrasting tasks that recruit inner speech that do or do not require cognitive control. The third hypothesis is that the extent of inner speech depends on the capacity for self representation, and thus on the interaction between the PFO and the precuneus. The investigator hypothesize a positive correlation between inner speech ability and self representation capacity, associated with stronger functional connectivity between the PFO and the precuneus. The investigator predict reduced self representation in aphantasic participants. To test this, participants will complete a battery of well established questionnaires. The investigator will compute correlations between 1) behavioral performance on inner speech tasks and questionnaire scores, and 2) the network measures identified in fMRI (task activation and connectivity) and questionnaire scores.
NCT03886636
The cognitive educational strategies such as neuroscience pain education, has been a popular and promising technique for treatment patients with chronic pain. However, there are not sufficient randomized controlled and blinded studies to explore clinical effectiveness of these techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was determining the short- and mid-term effects of neuroscience pain education combined with manual therapy and home exercise on pain level, disability, and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic low back pain.
NCT05618990
This monocentric methodological study aims at optimizing advanced MR sequences for image quality (reduced artefacts, signal to noise ratio, acquisition time, stability of quantitative measurements) on a new MR unit dedicated to research in clinical and cognitive neuroscience.
NCT06264063
Dystonias represent hyperkinetic movement disorders characterized by protracted muscle contractions, such as to cause torsional movements and anomalous postures in different parts of the body. Although they occur more often in a focal form (blepharospasm, oromandibular dystonia, cervical dystonia, laryngeal dystonia, attitudinal cramps of the limbs) than segmental (involvement of several contiguous muscle groups, e.g. facial muscles and neck muscles), they are nevertheless capable of significantly influencing the quality of life, with consequent social and health costs. Although described as a predominantly motor disorder, the presence of non-motor symptoms in dystonias associated with alteration of the fronto-striatal circuits is increasingly recognized. Neuroimaging studies have highlighted that the striatum and, more specifically, striatal dopamine, is involved in high cognitive processes such as attention, reward-based learning and decision making. Clinical conditions associated with cortico-striatal circuit dysfunction and abnormal meso-striatal or meso-cortical dopamine transmission also appear to influence temporal estimation, delay discounting, showing an impulsive preference for immediate rewards over delayed gratification. Based on these premises, the present project aims to evaluate the cognitive and affective aspects of dystonias, in line with neuroimaging research documenting structural and functional dysfunctions in the respective brain regions.
NCT06251479
Based on study literature, the investigators can say that our study aims to give an explanation not only from a behavioral point of view but also with respect to what are the neuronal mechanisms underlying our ability to perceive and analyze our own and others' actions. This is essential to fully understand the complexity of our social behaviors. The knowledge of these mechanisms has a high value and relevant implications for many research fields both within and outside the neurosciences. The project aims to study the neurobehavioral correlates of verbal and non-verbal communication. Through the use of non-invasive behavioral and neurophysiological techniques, the study intends to highlight the neurobehavioral markers that allow to quantify the temporal evolution of communication dynamics in healthy subjects.
NCT03781557
In this trial, the investigators are going to investigate the improvement of cognitive brain domains after ingestion of omega 3 products that have high concentrations of DHA, Docosahexaenoic acid, and EPA, Eicosapentaenoic acid, in comparison to control group young healthy adults. The study will assess the improvement by computerized testing by their reaction time before and after the intervention. The researchers will follow the scientific and ethical regulations prevent any harmful effect on recruited subjects.
NCT02792140
In this study, the investigators pose the question which influence the opioid circuit has on positive valent situations in dreams.