Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation to Reduce Responses to Ideological Threats

Begin with a human participant wearing electromyography electrodes on the tibialis anterior muscle to record motor signals and a reference electrode on the wrist.

Position a magnetic coil over the primary motor cortex. Deliver pulses to stimulate cortical neurons that trigger leg muscle contractions.

While the muscle is voluntarily contracted, determine the active motor threshold, which is the minimum stimulation intensity that elicits a response.

Reposition the coil above the posterior medial frontal cortex (pMFC) to investigate its role in ideological threat responses, which are defensive reactions to challenges against deeply held beliefs.

Apply continuous theta burst stimulation to deliver high-frequency pulses for an extended period.

Prolonged stimulation reduces excitatory neurotransmitter release, causing a low-level calcium influx that promotes excitatory receptor internalization and weakens excitatory signaling.

The temporary pMFC activity suppression decreases responsiveness to ideological threats.

Begin by seating the participant in the testing room, and go over in depth with them how TMS works and all potential side effects. Have the participant fill out the TMS safety screen