Aspies For Freedom

Full Version: Participants needed for TMS study
You're currently viewing a stripped down version of our content. View the full version with proper formatting.
Hi Everyone,

My friend <removed> has asked me to put the word out about her new study which involves the use of TMS (Trans-Cranial Magnetic Stimulation) to see if it has any affect on the ability of people with Asperger's to recognise facial expressions.

The experiment is taking place at <removed>. Participants will be rewarded with £25 for their time, plus travelling expenses.

<removed> is looking for people who:

- Have a diagnosis of Asperger's or HFA.
- Are 18 years or over.
- Are Male.
and
- Have had a recent structural MRI scan or who would be willing to have a 20min MRI to show the structure of their brain.

There are some other exclusion criteria which are mentioned later.

<removed>

We are running a new study aimed at investigating how the brain of people with and without Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism reacts when performing a task involving observation of faces.

The research will use a technique called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS).

You will be asked to wear a cap.

By using a magnetic resonance image of your brain we will identify and mark on the cap the sites from where to deliver the magnetic stimulation.

You will be asked to perform a computer task involving the observation of faces while receiving some brief rTMS.

Finally, you will be asked to complete two short tests.

The study lasts approximately two hours and will take place at the <removed>.
Travel expenses will be paid and you will receive a payment of £25.00 for your time.

As a precaution, we don’t use magnetic stimulation with people with a history of seizures.

For anyone else, TMS carries no risk, although occasionally some people experience some local discomfort or a transient headache in those who are predisposed to migraine.

In order to participate in our study you must:
- be 18 years of age or over
- have no history of seizures
- have no metal in your head (apart from dental fillings)
- have no pacemaker or heart problems

Your participation in the study is voluntary and you are free to withdraw from it at any time without giving a reason.

If you are interested in participating, please e-mail me and I will make arrangements for you to come to <removed>.

This project has been approved by <removed> Ethics Committee. All your personal information will remain confidential.

<removed>

(edit) removed identifying information
1 - This is not the right part of the forum
2 - Unauthorised research solicitations are not allowed here, as this was done on behalf of your friend by yourself rather than directly by your friend I will refrain from reporting this to the university
3 - rTMS does in fact carry risks in everyone, history of seizures or not including the onset of seizures in people who previously had no history (this is very rare but possible) or even permanent changes in brain structure. Pubmed has numerous articles relating to the very fast changes in excitability after single sessions, suggesting a kind of accelerated LTP - depending on the frequency used it is not unlikely that many of your subjects will walk out of the study with at least some permanent changes
Reference URL's