2.7. Ethical Considerations
travel-related
All participants were required to provide written informed consent in order to participate in this study. Ethical approval was sought from the Human Subjects Ethics Sub-committee, and research safety approval was also obtained prior to commencement of the study within the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (reference #: HSEARS20210608002). This study adhered strictly to the ethical principles detailed in the Declaration of Helsinki that was developed by the World Medical Association. Potential risks involved in fMRI and other potential side effects of TPS were clearly indicated in the information sheet. Voluntary participation, anonymity, confidentiality, and the right to withdraw were all respected. All participants were given a HKD 50 supermarket cash coupon for their time, as well as travel-related expenses for the 3-month follow-up period. This trial is registered with Clin.Trials.gov (ref: NCT05006365).