Research
Our rTMS clinical trials harness state-of-the-art neuroimaging technologies available at The Royal’s Brain Imaging Centre to better understand how this therapy modifies brain circuitry, in order to more effectively personalize treatment.
We collaborate with leaders in the field of neuromodulation around the world to provide access to the most advanced rTMS treatments.
Ongoing clinical trials
Our study
A naturalistic study comparing the efficacy of uni- and bi-lateral theta burst stimulation major depression
The Neuromodulation Research team is currently conducting a study to determine if applying a new form of rTMS called theta-burst stimulation (TBS) to both sides of the forehead is more effective in the treatment of depression than applying it on only one side. This study also uses neuroimaging to help determine what factors make this treatment effective and develop tools to identify individuals who are more likely to respond to treatment.
Treatment is on weekdays for 4-6 weeks and research components may involve electroencephalogram (EEG), MRI, and TMS testing.
What We Do
Our study
Comparing the Efficacity of fMRI-Guided vs. Standard iTBS in Treating Depression
The Neuromodulation Research team is currently conducting a study to explore if using a personalized treatment for theta bust stimulation (TBS) is better than using the standard technique for TBS when treating depression. This personalized treatment for TBS targets specific locations in the brain based upon personal patterns of brain connections when at rest, as identified by a functional MRI (fMRI) scan. In comparison, the standard treatment uses general locations that have been effective, on average, for treating depression.
Treatment is on weekdays for 6 weeks and research components involve fMRI and may include wearing a watch to track activity throughout study participation.
What We Do
Our study
Randomized Trial Assessing the Feasibility of Exercise as a Priming Strategy for rTMS Treatment in Difficult-to-Treat Depression
The Neuromodulation Research team is currently conducting a study to explore if treatment effectiveness can be improved by using exercise as a priming agent for TMS. All of the participants will receive standard TBS, but half will have it in combination with exercise for a month prior to the treatment start and continuing for the 6 weeks through treatment. The ultimate goal, to be investigated in a larger-scale study following this one, is to determine whether exercise acts as an active ingredient that enhances the effectiveness of iTBS.
Treatment is on weekdays for 6 weeks and research components involve MRI, TMS testing, and may include 3 exercise sessions per week during participation.
What We Do
Our study
Randomized Pilot Trial Comparing the Feasibility and Efficacy of Accelerated vs. Standard fMRI-guided iTBS in Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adolescents
The Neuromodulation Research team is currently conducting a study in adolescents to compare an accelerated treatment plan of TBS (3 sessions/day on weekdays, for 2 weeks) with the usual treatment plan (1 session/day on weekdays, for 6 weeks) for treating depression. In both cases, we will be tailoring the TBS treatment, by aiming at specific spots in the brain that we pinpoint from an fMRI scan.
What We Do
Our study
No longer recruiting
Neural mechanisms of intermittent theta burst stimulation in the core depression network
What we do: The Neuromodulation Research team is currently conducting a study that pairs two neuroimaging techniques, positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to determine the effects of theta burst stimulation (TBS) on the brain. We hope to better understand how this stimulation technique changes brain activity, which will help future research in the treatment of depression. The second purpose of this study is to determine if the level of brain changes measured during the brain scans will be associated with how well someone responds to a 6-week course of standard daily treatment of TBS.
What We Do
Our clinic’s publications
Our study
Examining alterations in subjective sleep and in-vivo GABA and glutamate levels in individuals with major depressive disorder receiving daily theta burst stimulation
Article published
Jennifer Cuda, David Smith, Arthur Chaves, Nasim Kiaee, Reggie Taylor, Jessica Drodge, Stacey Shim, Youssef Nasr, Ram Brender, Ruxandra Antochi, Lisa McMurray, Rebecca Robillard & Sara Tremblay
We examined the impact of theta burst stimulation (TBS) on self-reported sleep quality using a standardized scale. We analyzed the results from 38 participants that took part in our ongoing naturalistic trial. Our results showed that TBS improved both subjective sleep quality and indices of sleep-related daytime functioning such as the ease of awakening and behaviour following sleep. These improvements correlated with reductions in depressive symptoms, as well as with baseline levels of brain metabolite levels involved in regulation of brain activity.
What We Found
Our study
Optimizing Antidepressant Benefits: Effect of Theta Burst Stimulation Treatment in Physically Active People with Treatment-Resistant Depression
Article published
Arthur R. Chaves, Jennifer Cuda, Stacey Shim, Jessica Drodge, Youssef Nasr, Maya El-Outa, Julia Leclair, Ram Brender, Ruxandra Antochi, Lisa McMurray, Lara A. Pilutti & Sara Tremblay
What we found: This study explores whether individuals meeting minimum recommended physical activity levels demonstrate better responses to TBS compared to physically inactive individuals. Using data from our ongoing naturalistic trial (n=43), participants were categorized as physically active or inactive based on a standard self-report questionnaire. Physically active individuals had a higher proportion of therapeutic response than the inactive group (82% versus 31%, respectively). This study highlights the potential role of baseline physical activity in enhancing TBS therapy for depression.
What We Found
