# Exploring the Parameter Space of High Frequency Magnetic Perturbation in Manipulating Neural Excitability and Plasticity.

> **NIH NIH R44** · MAGNETIC TIDES, INC. · 2023 · $97,500

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has attracted considerable interest in the cognitive neuroscience
community, providing an important basic research tool to study brain function, with emerging clinical applications
to restore function in individuals with neurological disorders. Despite this potential, an emerging literature has
highlighted concerns regarding the reliability and robustness of transcranial electric stimulation (tES), the primary
NIBS method used to induce changes in brain plasticity through the application of subthreshold stimulation.
These problems are likely related to the fact that tES systems can only induce modest electrical fields (E-field)
at the cortical surface given that safety/tolerance issues limit the intensity of tES stimulation that can be delivered
at the scalp. We developed a radically new NIBS approach, one in which subthreshold modulation of neural
excitability is brought about via oscillating magnetic fields at kHZ frequencies. This system, referred to kTMP
(kHz Transcranial Magnetic Perturbation) significantly increases the range of subthreshold E-field induction, and
through modulation of the envelope of the kHz carrier frequency, can impose E-fields at physiological relevant
frequencies.
The specific aims of the supplementee is to compare the efficacy of kTMP with two conventional NIBS
techniques: tES and TMS. This comparison is fundamental to establish kTMP in the NIBS neuroscience
community as more efficient and reliable method to advance our understanding of brain function and as
translational tool for the treatment of neurological disorders. The project of the supplementee will be an important
step towards the end goal of FDA approval of kTMP. Moreover, supported by Avania, an organization specialized
in advancing medical technologies, the supplementee will be also working on the regulatory path for kTMP to be
used for post-stroke recovery.
By the end of the second year the supplementee will have learned how to conduct research studies
independently, gained knowledge on the existing technical and practical aspects of the three NIBS methods, and
obtained a broad overview of the FDA regulations and processes to market a medical device.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10841060
- **Project number:** 3R44NS127667-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** MAGNETIC TIDES, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Ludovica Labruna
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $97,500
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-08-15 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10841060

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10841060, Exploring the Parameter Space of High Frequency Magnetic Perturbation in Manipulating Neural Excitability and Plasticity. (3R44NS127667-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10841060. Licensed CC0.

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