Optimized, Neuroplasticity-Enhanced-Depression (ONE-D) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment for Female Athletes With Co-morbid Depression and Concussion
United States35 participantsStarted 2026-06-01
Plain-language summary
Concussion and depression have long been recognized to be intertwined pathologies.1-3 Although female athletes are more likely to suffer from mental health symptoms than males athletes following a concussion,2 research in this area has been largely biased toward males.4 Recently functional MRI (fMRI) studies5 in concussed athletes have established that there are patterns of local alterations in neural connectivity in the frontal cortex that demonstrate anatomic congruency with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies that mapped alternations in neural connectivity to functional and somatic symptoms.6 Thus, there is potential that TMS treatment could decrease both symptom profiles, revolutionizing comorbid treatment options. Possible Benefits:
Previous studies have showed a 70% remission rate for depression symptoms. It is possible that participants could have improvement in depressive or concussive symptoms after the ONE-D TMS treatment.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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:
* Female athletes, both recreational and professional
* ages 18-65 years old
* Concussion as determined by clinical history (at least 72 hours post-diagnosis) and Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) score above 7 OR more than 4 total symptoms present
* Depression as determined by Patient Health Questionnaire - (PHQ-9) score of 10 or greater indicating moderate depression or greater
* Treatment-resistant depression as determined by previously taken or currently taking an oral antidepressant for at least 6 weeks
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant or breast-feeding individuals
* History of seizures or epilepsy
* Implanted devices (such as cochlear implants, brain stimulators, aneurysm clips or stents)
* Participants undergoing treatment with ototoxic medications (aminoglycosides, cisplatin)
* History of bipolar disorder
* Pacemakers or implanted defibrillators
* Allergy or other contraindications to d-cycloserine
* Other contraindications as determined by PI
* Unable to provide informed consent due to language or other barriers
* Incarceration
* Biological male gender
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
1
Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) depression symptom inventory scores
Timeframe: Baseline, 12 weeks
2
Sport Mental Health Assessment Tool 1 (SMHAT-1) depression symptom inventory scores