UnknownNot Applicable

Self-modulation of the Sense of Agency by Means of Real-time Neurofeedback

Switzerland225 participantsStarted 2022-02-01

Plain-language summary

This study investigates whether the sense of agency is sensitive to self-regulation by means of EEG-based neurofeedback. During neurofeedback, the brain activity in response to a motor task is recorded in real-time and displayed back to the participants. The participants can therefore use this information to adapt their performance on the motor task.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria (all): * Aged \> 18 years old * Normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity * Willing to participate in the study (by signing the informed consent form) * Neither caffein, nor alcohol intake 48 hours prior to the experiment * Regular intake of drugs (except oral contraceptives in women) * Employed by, or in a dependent relationship with, the sponsor and / or the investigator(s) * Sufficient knowledge of German or English to understand study documents and instructions. Inclusion Criteria (patients): * A diagnosis of temporal epilepsy (TE), documented via video EEG. OR * A diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizure (PNES), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and documented via video EEG. Exclusion Criteria (all): * Past surgery in the brain * History of alcohol or drug abuse * Incompatibility with EEG recordings, e.g., inability to stay seated for 90 minutes.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Electrophysiological data, i.e., EEG power in alpha band

Timeframe: Before and immediately after neurofeedback

Change in Electrophysiological data, i.e., EEG power in theta band

Timeframe: Before and immediately after neurofeedback

Change in Electrophysiological data, i.e., EEG power in gamma band

Timeframe: Before and immediately after neurofeedback

Change in the subjective perception of the Sense of Agency, i.e., visual analog scale assessing how much control participants feel over the game

Timeframe: Before and immediately after neurofeedback

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05214833

SponsorETH Zurich

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-01-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Psychogenic Seizure trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Change in Electrophysiological data, i.e., EEG power in alpha band

Timeframe: Before and immediately after neurofeedback

Change in Electrophysiological data, i.e., EEG power in theta band

Timeframe: Before and immediately after neurofeedback

Change in Electrophysiological data, i.e., EEG power in gamma band

Timeframe: Before and immediately after neurofeedback

Change in the subjective perception of the Sense of Agency, i.e., visual analog scale assessing how much control participants feel over the game

Timeframe: Before and immediately after neurofeedback