https://pittplusme.org/study/2529
Brain Stomach Interaction Study
STUDY BASICS
Are you a healthy adult between the ages of 21-60 that has not had weight loss surgery? You may be eligible for a research study to learn more about how the brain influences muscles and internal organs. This study may help find new ways to diagnose and treat a variety of chronic digestive disorders. Compensation is provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
The purpose of this research study is to learn more about how the brain influences muscles and internal organs. This study may help find new ways to diagnose and treat a variety of chronic digestive disorders.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- 21-60 years old
- have not had weight loss surgery
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
This project uses a non-invasive method of brain stimulation, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), to characterize a newly discovered electrical signal of brain-stomach communication.
Participants will be asked to not eat food for 2 hours prior to study visits and to sit in a chair while receiving TMS.
Stomach, heart, and muscle responses will be measured before and after drinking water during the testing sessions.
- Testing sessions last 2 to 4 hours.
- At least one visit, and up to 5 follow-up visits could be scheduled.
IRB: STUDY23030127
- Characterization of gastric evoked potentials
MEET THE RESEARCHER
David Levinthal
David Levinthal, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition in the Department of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. He serves as the Director of the UPMC Center for Neurogastroenterology and Motility. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Dr. Levinthal’s research interests include the study of the neural mechanisms by which the cerebral cortex influences GI tract function.