In this study we would like to test and optimise new cognitive tasks centred on the evaluation and experience of fatigue (a chronic state of exhaustion). Furthermore, we would like to understand how subjectively perceived fatigue levels are associated with the functional connectivity strength in the brain. To this end, we will perform fMRI measurements.

If you decide to participate in our study, you will be asked to complete an online pre-screening from home (approx. 30 minutes). If you are selected for the study, this is followed by online questionnaires that you can fill in from home (ca. 1 h 25 min) and one MRI appointment (approx. 3 h) at the University Hospital Zurich. During the fMRI measurement you will be asked to solve tasks on the computer.

• Online questionnaires / questionnaires
• Behvaioral Data
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Your heart rate and respiration rate are monitored and recorded

The methods used are only associated with extremely low risks.

You have no direct benefit by participating in this research project. By participating in the research project, you support basic research and contribute to the development of better future diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

• Filling in of pre-screening questionnaires (online, at home), duration approx. 30 minutes
• Online questionnaires at home, duration approx. 1 h 25 minutes
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); cognitive task, duration approx. 3 h

The study will be conducted at the magnetic resonance center at the University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich (MRI appointment), see map.

There are specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, that are queried at the time of the screening, as well as directly before study participation.

• Healthy adults (18 years old and older) with or without fatigue (no existing diagnosis). Participation in the study depends on the distribution of fatigue scores of previously recruited participants.

• Serious brain disease or injury or brain surgery
• Diagnosed psychotic disorders, addictive disorders, and/or dementia
• Diagnosed neurological disorder
• Drug consumption
• Previous participation in the same study
• Participation in non-TNU study using either pharmacological interventions, or stimulation of the brain or nerves within the last 7 days.
• Pregnancy

If you have completed the screening, you can win a voucher from "WISHCARD" worth CHF 100.-, with a draw taking place after every 100 study participants.

As a financial compensation for the participation in the entire study you will receive CHF 90.-. Expenses (e.g. travel expenses) are not reimbursed.

Are you interested in the study? Please contact us directly via the contact form (see left column above).

Your information will be treated strictly confidentially. If you are interested in participating in the study, but ultimately do not take part in the study, your data registered for this purpose will be deleted if so specified by you.

If not, the project leader, Dr. Sandra Iglesias, can be contacted directly:

Dr. Sandra Iglesias
Translational Neuromodeling Unit (TNU)
Institute for Biomedical Engineering
University of Zurich and ETH Zurich
Wilfriedstrasse 6, 8032 Zürich
Phone: 044 634 91 23
Email:qfmri(at)ethz.ch

All FOPH hygiene rules will be followed during the conduct of the study. Distance between study participants and the research team will be maintained whenever possible, and protective medical masks (and eye protection and protective clothing if desired) will be worn throughout the experiment. After each study participant, the experimental rooms and materials used will be thoroughly disinfected, cleaned, and ventilated.

Individuals exhibiting symptoms (fever, respiratory symptoms, cough, loss of sense of smell and taste, etc.) or who have been in contact with a person ill with Covid-19 in the past 7 days will not be allowed to participate in the experiment. For this, a Covid safety questionnaire will be completed prior to the study date.