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Rader L, Wager TD, Friedman NP. Chronic pain is specifically associated with updating working memory: a longitudinal twin study. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00675. [PMID: 39106461 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Worse executive function (EF) is associated with chronic pain and could mechanistically contribute to pain chronification. It is unclear whether there is overall impairment in EFs or whether there are impairments in specific cognitive domains. Furthermore, the possible genetic risk underlying these associations has not been tested. Participants were from the Colorado Longitudinal Twin study; 786 same-sex twins completed a battery of EF tasks at ages 23 and/or 28 and 634 of these twins self-reported chronic pain at mean age = 28.1; prevalence = 27.76% using the Brief Pain History Questionnaire. The EF tasks were used to define a Common EF factor and 2 factors specific to updating working memory and shifting mental set. We estimated the phenotypic and genetic associations of stable EF variance across ages 23 and 28, as well as EF variance unique to age 28, with pain. With respect to stable EF variance, pain phenotypically correlated with the Updating-specific factor (r = -0.21, P = 0.008) but did not significantly correlate with the Common EF factor (r = -0.06, P = 0.350) nor with the Shifting-specific factor (r = -0.03, P = 0.709). There were no significant phenotypic correlations between pain and EF variance unique to age 28. A twin model indicated that pain and Updating-specific variance share genetic risk (rA = -0.46, P = 0.005) but not environmental risk (rE = 0.05, P = 0.844). Updating working memory shares a phenotypic and genetic relationship with pain in young adults. Impairments in gating or monitoring pain signals may play a mechanistic role in pain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Rader
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Tor D Wager
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Naomi P Friedman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
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2
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Wu Q, Li X, Zhang Y, Chen S, Jin R, Peng W. Analgesia of noninvasive electrical stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychosom Res 2024; 185:111868. [PMID: 39142194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is implicated in pain modulation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for pain relief. However, studies on transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) over the DLPFC yielded diverse results, likely due to differences in stimulation protocols or pain assessment methods. This study aims to evaluate the analgesic effects of DLPFC-tES using a meta-analytical approach. METHODS A meta-analysis of 29 studies involving 785 participants was conducted. The effects of genuine and sham DLPFC-tES on pain perception were examined in healthy individuals and patients with clinical pain. Subgroup analyses explored the impact of stimulation parameters and pain modalities. RESULTS DLPFC-tES did not significantly affect pain outcomes in healthy populations but showed promise in reducing pain-intensity ratings in patients with clinical pain (Hedges' g = -0.78, 95% CI = [-1.33, -0.24], p = 0.005). Electrode placement significantly influenced the analgesic effect, with better results observed when the anode was at F3 and the cathode at F4. CONCLUSIONS DLPFC-tES holds potential as a cost-effective pain management option, particularly for clinical populations. Optimizing electrode placement, especially with an symmetrical configuration, may enhance therapeutic efficacy. These findings underscore the promise of DLPFC-tES for alleviating perceived pain intensity in clinical settings, emphasizing the importance of electrode placement optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Wu
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinhua Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengxiong Chen
- Medical Rehabilitation Center, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Richu Jin
- Tech X Academy, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Weiwei Peng
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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3
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Dehghani A, Bango C, Murphy EK, Halter RJ, Wager TD. Independent effects of transcranial direct current stimulation and social influence on pain. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00657. [PMID: 39167466 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulatory technique with the potential to provide pain relief. However, tDCS effects on pain are variable across existing studies, possibly related to differences in stimulation protocols and expectancy effects. We investigated the independent and joint effects of contralateral motor cortex tDCS (anodal vs cathodal) and socially induced expectations (analgesia vs hyperalgesia) about tDCS on thermal pain. We employed a double-blind, randomized 2 × 2 factorial cross-over design, with 5 sessions per participant on separate days. After calibration in Session 1, Sessions 2 to 5 crossed anodal or cathodal tDCS (20 minutes 2 mA) with socially induced analgesic or hyperalgesic expectations, with 6 to 7 days between the sessions. The social manipulation involved videos of previous "participants" (confederates) describing tDCS as inducing a low-pain state ("analgesic expectancy") or hypersensitivity to sensation ("hyperalgesic expectancy"). Anodal tDCS reduced pain compared with cathodal stimulation (F(1,19.9) = 19.53, P < 0.001, Cohen d = 0.86) and analgesic expectancy reduced pain compared with hyperalgesic expectancy (F(1,19.8) = 5.62, P = 0.027, Cohen d = 0.56). There was no significant interaction between tDCS and social expectations. Effects of social suggestions were related to expectations, whereas tDCS effects were unrelated to expectancies. The observed additive effects provide novel evidence that tDCS and socially induced expectations operate through independent processes. They extend clinical tDCS studies by showing tDCS effects on controlled nociceptive pain independent of expectancy effects. In addition, they show that social suggestions about neurostimulation effects can elicit potent placebo effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Dehghani
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Carmen Bango
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Ethan K Murphy
- Thayer School of Engineering and Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Ryan J Halter
- Thayer School of Engineering and Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Tor D Wager
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
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4
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Mujib MD, Rao AZ, Hasan MA, Ikhlaq A, Shahid H, Bano N, Mustafa MU, Mukhtar F, Nisa M, Qazi SA. Comparative Neurological and Behavioral Assessment of Central and Peripheral Stimulation Technologies for Induced Pain and Cognitive Tasks. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1269. [PMID: 38927476 PMCID: PMC11201146 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is a multifaceted, multisystem disorder that adversely affects neuro-psychological processes. This study compares the effectiveness of central stimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation-tDCS over F3/F4) and peripheral stimulation (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation-TENS over the median nerve) in pain inhibition during a cognitive task in healthy volunteers and to observe potential neuro-cognitive improvements. Eighty healthy participants underwent a comprehensive experimental protocol, including cognitive assessments, the Cold Pressor Test (CPT) for pain induction, and tDCS/TENS administration. EEG recordings were conducted pre- and post-intervention across all conditions. The protocol for this study was categorized into four groups: G1 (control), G2 (TENS), G3 (anodal-tDCS), and G4 (cathodal-tDCS). Paired t-tests (p < 0.05) were conducted to compare Pre-Stage, Post-Stage, and neuromodulation conditions, with t-values providing insights into effect magnitudes. The result showed a reduction in pain intensity with TENS (p = 0.002, t-value = -5.34) and cathodal-tDCS (p = 0.023, t-value = -5.08) and increased pain tolerance with TENS (p = 0.009, t-value = 4.98) and cathodal-tDCS (p = 0.001, t-value = 5.78). Anodal-tDCS (p = 0.041, t-value = 4.86) improved cognitive performance. The EEG analysis revealed distinct neural oscillatory patterns across the groups. Specifically, G2 and G4 showed delta-power reductions, while G3 observed an increase. Moreover, G2 exhibited increased theta-power in the occipital region during CPT and Post-Stages. In the alpha-band, G2, G3, and G4 had reductions Post-Stage, while G1 and G3 increased. Additionally, beta-power increased in the frontal region for G2 and G3, contrasting with a reduction in G4. Furthermore, gamma-power globally increased during CPT1, with G1, G2, and G3 showing reductions Post-Stage, while G4 displayed a global decrease. The findings confirm the efficacy of TENS and tDCS as possible non-drug therapeutic alternatives for cognition with alleviation from pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Danish Mujib
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; (A.Z.R.); (M.A.H.)
| | - Ahmad Zahid Rao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; (A.Z.R.); (M.A.H.)
| | - Muhammad Abul Hasan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; (A.Z.R.); (M.A.H.)
- Neurocomputation Lab, National Centre of Artificial Intelligence, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; (H.S.); (S.A.Q.)
| | - Ayesha Ikhlaq
- Institute of Physics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan; (A.I.); (M.U.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Hira Shahid
- Neurocomputation Lab, National Centre of Artificial Intelligence, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; (H.S.); (S.A.Q.)
- Research Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry-CV1 2TU, UK
| | - Nargis Bano
- Department of Physics and Astronomy College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Usman Mustafa
- Institute of Physics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan; (A.I.); (M.U.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Faisal Mukhtar
- Institute of Physics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan; (A.I.); (M.U.M.); (F.M.)
| | - Mehrun Nisa
- Department of Physics, Govt. Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Saad Ahmed Qazi
- Neurocomputation Lab, National Centre of Artificial Intelligence, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi 75270, Pakistan; (H.S.); (S.A.Q.)
- Department of Electrical Engineering, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
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5
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Caumo W, Lopes Ramos R, Vicuña Serrano P, da Silveira Alves CF, Medeiros L, Ramalho L, Tomeddi R, Bruck S, Boher L, Sanches PRS, Silva DP, Ls Torres I, Fregni F. Efficacy of Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over the Primary Motor Cortex and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in the Disability Due to Pain in Fibromyalgia: A Factorial Sham-Randomized Clinical Study. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:376-392. [PMID: 37689323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
This randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial compared the effectiveness of home-based-(HB) active transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (l-DLPFC) or primary motor cortex (M1) with their respective sham-(s)-tDCS to determine whether a-tDCS would be more effective than s-tDCS in reducing pain and improving disability due to pain. The study included 102 patients with fibromyalgia aged 30 to 65 years old randomly assigned to 1 of 4 tDCS groups using a ratio of 2:1:2:1. The groups included l-DLPFC (a-tDCS, n = 34) and (s-tDCS, n = 17), or tDCS on the M1 (a-tDCS, n = 34) or (s-tDCS, n = 17). Patients self-administered 20 sessions of tDCS, with 2 mA for 20 minutes each day under remote supervision after in-person training. The Mixed Model for Repeated Measurements revealed that a-tDCS on DLPFC significantly reduced pain scores by 36.53% compared to 25.79% in s-tDCS. From baseline to the fourth week of treatment, a-tDCS on M1 reduced pain scores by 45.89% compared to 22.92% over s-tDCS. A generalized linear model showed a significant improvement in the disability scale in the groups that received a-tDCS compared to s-tDCS over M1 20.54% versus 2.49% (χ2 = 11.06, df = 1, P < .001]), while on DLPFC the improvement was 14.29% and 5.77%, with a borderline significance (χ2 = 3.19, df = 1, P = .06]), respectively. A higher reduction in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor from baseline to treatment end was positively correlated with decreased pain scores regardless of the treatment group. The application of a-tDCS over M1 increased the heat pain threshold and the function of the descending pain inhibitory system. PERSPECTIVE: These findings provide important insights: (1) HB-tDCS has effectively reduced pain scores and improved disability due to fibromyalgia. (2) The study provides evidence that HB-a-tDCS is a viable and effective therapeutic approach. (3) HB-a-tDCS over M1 improved the function of the descending pain inhibitory system and increased the heat pain threshold. Finally, our findings also emphasize that brain-derived neurotrophic factor, as an index of neuroplasticity, may serve as a valuable marker associated with changes in clinical pain measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Number NCT03843203.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolnei Caumo
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Pain and Palliative Care Service at HCPA, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rael Lopes Ramos
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Paul Vicuña Serrano
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Camila Fernanda da Silveira Alves
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Liciane Medeiros
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Pain Pharmacology and Neuromodulation Laboratory, Preclinical Investigations, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Health and Human Development, La Salle University, Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Leticia Ramalho
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rafalea Tomeddi
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Samara Bruck
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Lucas Boher
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Pain and Palliative Care Service at HCPA, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Paulo R S Sanches
- Laboratory of Biomedical Engineer at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Danton P Silva
- Laboratory of Biomedical Engineer at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Iraci Ls Torres
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Pain Pharmacology and Neuromodulation Laboratory, Preclinical Investigations, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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6
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Narmashiri A, Akbari F. The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on the Cognitive Functions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Neuropsychol Rev 2023:10.1007/s11065-023-09627-x. [PMID: 38060075 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-023-09627-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have investigated the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive functions. However, these studies reported inconsistent results due to differences in experiment design, measurements, and stimulation parameters. Nonetheless, there is a lack of meta-analyses and review studies on tDCS and its impact on cognitive functions, including working memory, inhibition, flexibility, and theory of mind. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of tDCS studies published from the earliest available data up to October 2021, including studies reporting the effects of tDCS on cognitive functions in human populations. Therefore, these systematic review and meta-analysis aim to comprehensively analyze the effects of anodal and cathodal tDCS on cognitive functions by investigating 69 articles with a total of 5545 participants. Our study reveals significant anodal tDCS effects on various cognitive functions. Specifically, we observed improvements in working memory reaction time (RT), inhibition RT, flexibility RT, theory of mind RT, working memory accuracy, theory of mind accuracy and flexibility accuracy. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate noteworthy cathodal tDCS effects, enhancing working memory accuracy, inhibition accuracy, flexibility RT, flexibility accuracy, theory of mind RT, and theory of mind accuracy. Notably, regarding the influence of stimulation parameters of tDCS on cognitive functions, the results indicated significant differences across various aspects, including the timing of stimulation (online vs. offline studies), population type (clinical vs. healthy studies), stimulation duration (< 15 min vs. > 15 min), electrical current intensities (1-1.5 m.A vs. > 1.5 m.A), stimulation sites (right frontal vs. left frontal studies), age groups (young vs. older studies), and different cognitive tasks in each cognitive functioning aspect. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that tDCS can effectively enhance cognitive task performance, offering valuable insights into the potential benefits of this method for cognitive improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolvahed Narmashiri
- School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.
- Electrical Engineering Department, Bio-Intelligence Research Unit, Sharif Brain Center, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Transcranial random noise stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex attenuates pain expectation and perception. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 147:1-10. [PMID: 36608385 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been increasingly used as a neuromodulatory target in pain management. Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) was shown to effectively elevate cortical excitability. Hence, this study aimed to characterize how tRNS over the left DLPFC affects pain expectation and perception, as well as the efficacy of conditioned-pain modulation (CPM) that reflects the function of the endogenous pain-inhibitory pathway. METHODS Using a randomized, double-blinded, and sham-controlled design, healthy participants were randomly recruited to receive tRNS with a direct current offset or sham stimulation. Their expectations and perceptions of painful electrocutaneous stimuli, as well as CPM efficacy were assessed before, immediately after, and 30 min after tRNS. RESULTS Compared with sham stimulation, perceived-pain ratings to the painful stimuli, and expected-pain ratings before painful stimuli, attenuated immediately after tRNS, whereas this analgesic effect was ineffective 30 min after tRNS. Importantly, the immediate analgesia induced by tRNS could be accounted for by tRNS effect on attenuating expected-pain ratings before certain painful stimuli. However, CPM efficacy was not significantly affected by tRNS. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate analgesia immediately after applying tRNS over the left DLPFC. SIGNIFICANCE This study provides evidence for analgesia of DLPFC-tRNS on an experimental pain model.
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Martin DM, Rushby JA, De Blasio FM, Wearne T, Osborne-Crowley K, Francis H, Xu M, Loo C, McDonald S. The effect of tDCS electrode montage on attention and working memory. Neuropsychologia 2023; 179:108462. [PMID: 36563998 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for improving attention and working memory have been generally mixed and small, potentially due to variability between studies with montages, stimulus parameters and outcome measures. The tDCS montage is an important parameter which determines the degree and intensity of stimulation in targeted brain regions. This study aimed to examine the effects of using three different montages for modulating attention and working memory performance: Bi-frontal, Broad-frontal and Broad-parietal. Ninety-three healthy adults participated in a counterbalanced cross-over study. Participants received both active and sham tDCS with either the Bi-frontal, Broad-frontal or Broad-parietal montage during performance of both a 1- and 2-back task. TDCS montage moderated 2-back working memory reaction time performance, though not accuracy, with faster reaction times observed for active compared to sham tDCS with the Broad-frontal montage only (F (1,90) = 5.26, p = .024, η2 = 0.06). TDCS montage did not significantly moderate performance on the 1-back task. The cognitive effects of tDCS varied according to montage, task, and outcome measure. TDCS administered with the cathode placed extracephalically in a Broad-frontal montage may be beneficial for improving working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donel M Martin
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2502, Australia; Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
| | - Jacqueline A Rushby
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2502, Australia
| | - Frances M De Blasio
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2502, Australia
| | - Travis Wearne
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2502, Australia
| | | | - Heather Francis
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2502, Australia
| | - Mei Xu
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2502, Australia; Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Colleen Loo
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2502, Australia; Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Skye McDonald
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2502, Australia
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9
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The effect of tDCS electrode montage on attention and working memory. Neuropsychologia 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.10846t2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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10
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Relief of chronic pain associated with increase in midline frontal theta power. Pain Rep 2022; 7:e1040. [PMID: 36247110 PMCID: PMC9555895 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Unique electroencephalogram signatures of relief from chronic pain demonstrate theta power increase in the midline frontal cortex. Introduction: Objectives: Methods: Results: Conclusion:
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11
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Erdoğan ET, Küçük Z, Eskikurt G, Kurt A, Ermutlu N, Karamürsel S. Single Session Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Different Cortical Areas. J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) studies in healthy volunteers have shown conflicting results in terms of modulation in pain thresholds. The aim of this study was to investigate how single session anodal tDCS and modulated tDCS (mtDCS) of distinct cortical areas affected pain and perception thresholds in healthy participants. Five different stimulation conditions were applied at different cortical sites to 20 healthy volunteers to investigate the effects of tDCS and mtDCS (20 Hz) on pain and perception thresholds. TDCS over the motor cortex (M1), mtDCS over the motor cortex, tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), mtDCS of the DLPFC, and mtDCS over the occipital cortex were the stimulation conditions. All of the stimulations were anodal. The stimulations were given in a randomized order at 20-minute intervals. For comparison, electrical pain and perception thresholds were obtained from the right middle finger before and during the tDCS. After each measurement, participants were asked to give a score to their pain. In repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) test, the Condition × Time interaction showed no significant influence on changes in pain, perception thresholds, and pain scores ( p = .48, p = .89, and p = .50, respectively). However, regardless of the condition types, there was a significant difference in pain and perceptual thresholds during tDCS ( p = .01, p = .025, respectively). Our findings did not support difference in pain and perception modulation by a single session anodal tDCS over M1 and DLPFC compared to the occipital cortex in healthy volunteers. The increase in all thresholds during tDCS, irrespective of conditions, and peripheral sensations, including an active control group, taken together, suggest a placebo effect of active tDCS. Future studies about pain and perception in healthy subjects should consider the level of experimental pain and a strong placebo effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Tuna Erdoğan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Küçük
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Literature, Halic University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gökçer Eskikurt
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Adnan Kurt
- Department of Physiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Numan Ermutlu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Health and Technology University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sacit Karamürsel
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
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12
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Wiebking C, Lin CI, Wippert PM. Training intervention effects on cognitive performance and neuronal plasticity—A pilot study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:773813. [PMID: 36003302 PMCID: PMC9393784 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.773813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies suggest that people suffering from chronic pain may have altered brain plasticity, along with altered functional connectivity between pain-processing brain regions. These may be related to decreased mood and cognitive performance. There is some debate as to whether physical activity combined with behavioral therapy (e.g. cognitive distraction, body scan) may counteract these changes. However, underlying neuronal mechanisms are unclear. The aim of the current pilot study with a 3-armed randomized controlled trial design was to examine the effects of sensorimotor training for nonspecific chronic low back pain on (1) cognitive performance; (2) fMRI activity co-fluctuations (functional connectivity) between pain-related brain regions; and (3) the relationship between functional connectivity and subjective variables (pain and depression). Six hundred and sixty two volunteers with non-specific chronic low back pain were randomly allocated to a unimodal (sensorimotor training), multidisciplinary (sensorimotor training and behavioral therapy) intervention, or to a control group within a multicenter study. A subsample of patients (n = 21) from one study center participated in the pilot study presented here. Measurements were at baseline, during (3 weeks, M2) and after intervention (12 weeks, M4 and 24 weeks, M5). Cognitive performance was measured by the Trail Making Test and functional connectivity by MRI. Pain perception and depression were assessed by the Von Korff questionnaire and the Hospital and Anxiety. Group differences were calculated by univariate and repeated ANOVA measures and Bayesian statistics; correlations by Pearson's r. Change and correlation of functional connection were analyzed within a pooled intervention group (uni-, multidisciplinary group). Results revealed that participants with increased pain intensity at baseline showed higher functional connectivity between pain-related brain areas used as ROIs in this study. Though small sample sizes limit generalization, cognitive performance increased in the multimodal group. Increased functional connectivity was observed in participants with increased pain ratings. Pain ratings and connectivity in pain-related brain regions decreased after the intervention. The results provide preliminary indication that intervention effects can potentially be achieved on the cognitive and neuronal level. The intervention may be suitable for therapy and prevention of non-specific chronic low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wiebking
- Medical Sociology and Psychobiology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christine Wiebking
| | - Chiao-I Lin
- Medical Sociology and Psychobiology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Pia-Maria Wippert
- Medical Sociology and Psychobiology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg (Joint Faculty of the University of Potsdam, the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, and the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg), Cottbus, Germany
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13
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Kold S, Graven-Nielsen T. Modulation Of Experimental Prolonged Pain and Sensitization Using High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: A Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1220-1233. [PMID: 35202795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
High definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) targeting brain areas involved in pain processing has shown analgesic effects in some chronic pain conditions, but less modulatory effect on mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in asymptomatic subjects. This double-blinded study assessed the HD-tDCS effects on experimental pain and hyperalgesia maintained for several days in healthy participants. Hyperalgesia and pain were assessed during three consecutive days following provocation of experimental pain (nerve growth factor injected into the right-hand muscle) and daily HD-tDCS sessions (20-minutes). Forty subjects were randomly assigned to Active-tDCS targeting primary motor cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex simultaneously or Sham-tDCS. Tactile and pressure pain sensitivity were assessed before and after each HD-tDCS session, as well as the experimentally-induced pain intensity scored on a numerical rating scale (NRS). Subjects were effectively blinded to the type of HD-tDCS protocol. The Active-tDCS did not significantly reduce the NGF-induced NRS pain score (3.5±2.4) compared to Sham-tDCS (3.9±2.0, P > .05) on day 3 and both groups showed similarly NGF-decreased pressure pain threshold in the right hand (P < .001). Comparing Active-tDCS with Sham-tDCS, the manifestation of pressure hyperalgesia was delayed on day 1, and an immediate (pre-HD-tDCS to post-HD-tDCS) reduction in pressure hyperalgesia was found across all days (P < .05). PERSPECTIVE: The non-significant differences between Active-tDCS and Sham-tDCS on experimental prolonged pain and hyperalgesia suggest that HD-tDCS has no effect on moderate persistent experimental pain. The intervention may still have a positive effect in more severe pain conditions, with increased intensity, more widespread distribution, or increased duration and/or involving stronger affective components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Kold
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Aalborg University, Denmark
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14
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Gajsar H, Meyer M, Hasenbring MI, Vaegter HB. Pain and executive function: no association between remote exercise-induced hypoalgesia and cognitive inhibition in pain-free participants. Scand J Pain 2022; 22:173-185. [PMID: 34364316 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2021-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive inhibition, which denotes the ability to suppress predominant or automatic responses, has been associated with lower pain sensitivity and larger conditioned pain modulation in humans. Studies exploring the association between cognitive inhibition and other pain inhibitory phenomena, like exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH), are scarce. The primary aim was to explore the association between cognitive inhibition and EIH at exercising (local) and non-exercising (remote) muscles after isometric exercise. The secondary aim was to explore the association between cognitive inhibition and pressure pain sensitivity. METHODS Sixty-six pain-free participants (28.3 ± 8.9 years old, 34 women) completed two cognitive inhibition tasks (stop-signal task and Stroop Colour-Word task), a 3-min isometric wall squat exercise, and a quiet rest control condition with pre- and post-assessments of manual pressure pain thresholds at a local (thigh) and a remote site (shoulder). In addition, cuff pressure pain thresholds, pain tolerance and temporal summation of pain were assessed at baseline. RESULTS No association was found between remote EIH and cognitive inhibition (Stroop interference score: r=0.12, [-0.15; 0.37], p=0.405, BF01=6.70; stop-signal reaction time: r=-0.08, [-0.32; 0.17], p=0.524, BF01=8.32). Unexpectedly, individuals with worse performance on the Stroop task, as indicated by a higher Stroop interference score, showed higher local EIH (r=0.33; [0.10; 0.53], p=0.007, BF01=0.29). No associations were observed between pain sensitivity and any of the cognitive inhibition performance parameters. CONCLUSIONS The present findings do not support previous evidence on positive associations between exercise-induced hypoalgesia and cognitive inhibition, as well as baseline pain sensitivity and cognitive inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Gajsar
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marcel Meyer
- Psychological Faculty, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Monika I Hasenbring
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik B Vaegter
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Pain Research Group, Pain Center, University Hospital Odense, Odense, Denmark
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15
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Caumo W, Alves RL, Vicuña P, Alves CFDS, Ramalho L, Sanches PRS, Silva DP, Torres ILDS, Fregni F. Impact of bifrontal home-based transcranial direct current stimulation in pain catastrophizing and disability due to pain in fibromyalgia: a randomized, double-blind sham-controlled study. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2021; 23:641-656. [PMID: 34785366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This randomized, double-blind trial tested the hypothesis that twenty sessions of home-based anodal(a)-transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (2mA for 20 min) bifrontal, with anodal on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (l-DLPFC) would be better than sham-(s)-tDCS to reduce scores on Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and disability-related to pain (DRP) assessed by the Profile of Chronic Pain: Screen (PCP:S) (primary outcomes). Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, sleep quality, heat pain threshold (HPT), heat pain tolerance (HPTo), and serum brain-derived-neurotrophic-factor (BDNF). Forty-eight women with fibromyalgia, 30-65 years-old were randomized into 2:1 groups [a-tDCS (n=32) or s-tDCS (n=16)]. Post hoc analysis revealed that a-tDCS reduced the PCS total scores by 51.38% compared to 26.96% in s-tDCS, and a-tDCS reduced PCP:S total scores by 31.43% compared to 19.15% in s-tDCS. The a-tDCS improved depressive symptoms, sleep quality and increased the HPTo. The delta-value in the serum BDNF (mean post treatment end minus pre-treatment) was conversely correlated with the a-tDCS effect in pain catastrophizing. In contrast, the a-tDCS impact on reducing the DRP at the treatment end was positively associated with a reduction in the serum BDNF and improvement of depressive symptoms, sleep quality and pain catastrophizing symptoms. PERSPECTIVE: Home-based bifrontal tDCS with a-tDCS on the l-DLPFC are associated with a moderate effect size (ES) in the following outcomes: (i) Decreased rumination and magnification of pain catastrophizing. (ii) Improved the disability for daily activities due to fibromyalgia symptoms. Overall, these findings support the feasibility of self-applied home-based tDCS on DLPFC to improve fibromyalgia symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolnei Caumo
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Pain and Palliative Care Service at HCPA, Brazil; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, UFRGS, Brazil.
| | - Rael Lopes Alves
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Paul Vicuña
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Camila Fernanda da Silveira Alves
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Leticia Ramalho
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Felipe Fregni
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; School of Medicine, UFRGS; Laboratorio de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigacoes Pre-clinicas, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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16
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Disruption of working memory and contralateral delay activity by nociceptive stimuli is modulated by task demands. Pain 2021; 163:1335-1345. [PMID: 34654779 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Top-down processes allow the selection and prioritization of information by limiting attentional capture by distractors, and these mechanisms depend on task demands such as working memory (WM) load. However, bottom-up processes give salient stimuli a stronger neuronal representation and provoke attentional capture. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of salient nociceptive stimuli on WM while manipulating task demands. Twenty-one healthy participants performed a change detection task during which they had to determine whether 2 successive visual arrays were different or the same. Task demands were modulated by manipulating the WM load (set size included 2 or 4 objects to recall) and by the correspondence between the 2 successive visual arrays (change vs no change). Innocuous stimuli (control) or nociceptive stimuli (distractors) were delivered during the delay period between the 2 visual arrays. Contralateral delay activity and laser-evoked potentials were recorded to examine neural markers of visual WM and nociceptive processes. Nociceptive stimuli decreased WM performance depending on task demands (all P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with control stimuli, nociceptive stimuli abolished the increase in contralateral delay activity amplitude for set size 4 vs set size 2 (P = 0.04). Consistent with these results, laser-evoked potential amplitude was not decreased when task demands were high (P = 0.5). These findings indicate that WM may shield cognition from nociceptive stimuli, but nociceptive stimuli disrupt WM and alter task performance when cognitive resources become insufficient to process all task-relevant information.
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17
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Miyashiro S, Yamada Y, Nagaoka M, Shima R, Muta T, Ishikawa H, Abe T, Hori M, Oka K, Koshikawa F, Ito E. Pain relief associated with decreased oxyhemoglobin level in left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256626. [PMID: 34424921 PMCID: PMC8382195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain in the elbow, shoulder, knee, lower back, and various other joints is relieved by adhesion of pyramidal thorn patches. To elucidate the pain relief mechanism induced by the patches, we established a quantitative method for estimating the pain reduction and investigated the brain regions that change in association with pain relief. We first attempted to quantify the pain relief using transcutaneous electric stimulation (TCES) and a visual analog scale (VAS), and then applied near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to the prefrontal cortex, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). We also examined the salivary oxytocin levels, which are thought to reflect oxytocin secretion levels from the posterior pituitary in the brain. Application of pyramidal thorn patches to pain regions decreased the pain degree estimated using TCES and VAS. Oxyhemoglobin levels were likely to be decreased in the left DLPFC on the basis of NIRS measurements during patch treatment, suggesting that the left DLPFC is involved in pain relief. On the other hand, the salivary oxytocin levels varied widely. A potential reason for the varying salivary oxytocin levels is its utilization in the pain region as an analgesic agent. Our results suggest that the left DLPFC will become a target brain region for pain therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yurika Yamada
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Rei Shima
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshizumi Muta
- Department of Psychology, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruyuki Ishikawa
- Department of Culture, Media and Society, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuri Abe
- Department of Psychology, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Hori
- Department of Educational Psychology, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kotaro Oka
- Department of Bioscience and Informatics, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Etsuro Ito
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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18
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Wischnewski M, Mantell KE, Opitz A. Identifying regions in prefrontal cortex related to working memory improvement: A novel meta-analytic method using electric field modeling. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 130:147-161. [PMID: 34418436 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Altering cortical activity using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to improve working memory (WM) performance. Due to large inter-experimental variability in the tDCS montage configuration and strength of induced electric fields, results have been mixed. Here, we present a novel meta-analytic method relating behavioral effect sizes to electric field strength to identify brain regions underlying largest tDCS-induced WM improvement. Simulations on 69 studies targeting left prefrontal cortex showed that tDCS electric field strength in lower dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 45/47) relates most strongly to improved WM performance. This region explained 7.8 % of variance, equaling a medium effect. A similar region was identified when correlating WM performance and electric field strength of right prefrontal tDCS studies (n = 18). Maximum electric field strength of five previously used tDCS configurations were outside of this location. We thus propose a new tDCS montage which maximizes the tDCS electric field strength in that brain region. Our findings can benefit future tDCS studies that aim to affect WM function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Wischnewski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.
| | - Kathleen E Mantell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Alexander Opitz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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19
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Deldar Z, Blanchette I, Piché M. Reduction of Pain and Spinal Nociceptive Transmission by Working Memory is Load Dependant. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2021; 22:797-805. [PMID: 33577995 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) engagement produces pain inhibition. However, it remains unclear whether higher WM load increases this effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between WM load and pain inhibition by WM and examine the contribution of cerebrospinal mechanism. Thirty-eight healthy volunteers were assigned to one of 2 n-back groups for which WM load was different (2-back or 3-back). The experimental protocol comprised 5 counterbalanced conditions (0-back, n-back, pain, 0-back with pain, and n-back with pain). Pain and the nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) were evoked by transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the sural nerve. Pain was significantly different between conditions, but not between n-back groups. Both the 0-back and n-back tasks reduced pain compared with pain alone, but the n-back task produced stronger pain inhibition compared with the 0-back task. NFR amplitude was significantly different between conditions but not between n-back groups. NFR was inhibited by the 0-back and n-back tasks, with no difference between the 2 tasks. These findings indicate that pain inhibition by WM is increased by WM load, but only to a certain point. NFR inhibition by WM suggests that inhibition of pain by WM depends, at least in part, on cerebrospinal mechanism. PERSPECTIVE: This behavioral and electrophysiological study shows that engaging in a cognitive task reduces pain by decreasing spinal nociceptive transmission, depending on task difficulty. These findings may yield better nonpharmacological pain therapies based on individual differences in working memory performance and capacity as well as several factors that regulate working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoha Deldar
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada; CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | | | - Mathieu Piché
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada; CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.
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20
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Provencher B, Northon S, Gevers Montoro C, O'Shaughnessy J, Piché M. Effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation on laser-evoked pain and brain activity. J Physiol Sci 2021; 71:20. [PMID: 34167458 PMCID: PMC10717656 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-021-00804-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms underlying hypoalgesia induced by spinal manipulation (SM). Eighty-two healthy volunteers were assigned to one of the four intervention groups: no intervention, SM at T4 (homosegmental to pain), SM at T8 (heterosegmental to pain) or light mechanical stimulus at T4 (placebo). Eighty laser stimuli were applied on back skin at T4 to evoke pain and brain activity related to Aδ- and C-fibers activation. The intervention was performed after 40 stimuli. Laser pain was decreased by SM at T4 (p = 0.028) but not T8 (p = 0.13), compared with placebo. However, brain activity related to Aδ-fibers activation was not significantly modulated (all p > 0.05), while C-fiber activity could not be measured reliably. This indicates that SM produces segmental hypoalgesia through inhibition of nociceptive processes that are independent of Aδ fibers. It remains to be clarified whether the effect is mediated by the inhibition of C-fiber activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Provencher
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
- CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Stéphane Northon
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
- CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Carlos Gevers Montoro
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
- CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
- Madrid College of Chiropractic, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julie O'Shaughnessy
- Department of Chiropractic, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Mathieu Piché
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 boul. des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada.
- CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada.
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21
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Li X, Yao J, Zhang W, Chen S, Peng W. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on experimental pain perception: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:2163-2175. [PMID: 34284252 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many studies have examined the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on human pain perception in both healthy populations and pain patients. Nevertheless, studies have yielded conflicting results, likely due to differences in stimulation parameters, experimental paradigms, and outcome measures. Human experimental pain models that utilize indices of pain in response to well-controlled noxious stimuli can avoid many confounds present in clinical data. This study aimed to assess the robustness of tDCS effects on experimental pain perception among healthy populations. METHODS We conducted three meta-analyses that analyzed tDCS effects on ratings of perceived pain intensity to suprathreshold noxious stimuli, pain threshold and tolerance. RESULTS The meta-analyses showed a statically significant tDCS effect on attenuating pain-intensity ratings to suprathreshold noxious stimuli. In contrast, tDCS effects on pain threshold and pain tolerance were statistically non-significant. Moderator analysis further suggested that stimulation parameters (active electrode size and current density) and experimental pain modality moderated the effectiveness of tDCS in attenuating pain-intensity ratings. CONCLUSION The effectiveness of tDCS on attenuating experimental pain perception depends on both stimulation parameters of tDCS and the modality of experimental pain. SIGNIFICANCE This study provides some theoretical basis for the application of tDCS in pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Li
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junjie Yao
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenyun Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengxiong Chen
- Medical Rehabilitation Center, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiwei Peng
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
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22
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Smits FM, Schutter DJLG, van Honk J, Geuze E. Does non-invasive brain stimulation modulate emotional stress reactivity? Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2021; 15:23-51. [PMID: 31993648 PMCID: PMC7171378 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive emotional responses to stressful events can detrimentally affect psychological functioning and mental health. Recent studies have provided evidence that non-invasive brain stimulation (NBS) targeting the prefrontal cortex (PFC) can affect the regulation of stress-related emotional responses. However, the reliability and effect sizes have not been systematically analyzed. In the present study, we reviewed and meta-analyzed the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the PFC on acute emotional stress reactivity in healthy individuals. Forty sham-controlled single-session rTMS and tDCS studies were included. Separate random effects models were performed to estimate the mean effect sizes of emotional reactivity. Twelve rTMS studies together showed no evidence that rTMS over the PFC influenced emotional reactivity. Twenty-six anodal tDCS studies yielded a weak beneficial effect on stress-related emotional reactivity (Hedges’ g = −0.16, CI95% = [−0.33, 0.00]). These findings suggest that a single session of NBS is insufficient to induce reliable, clinically significant effects but also provide preliminary evidence that specific NBS methods can affect emotional reactivity. This may motivate further research into augmenting the efficacy of NBS protocols on stress-related processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenne M Smits
- Brain Research & Innovation Centre, Ministry of Defence, Lundlaan 1, 3584 EZ, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis J L G Schutter
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jack van Honk
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elbert Geuze
- Brain Research & Innovation Centre, Ministry of Defence, Lundlaan 1, 3584 EZ, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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23
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Rustamov N, Sharma L, Chiang SN, Burk C, Haroutounian S, Leuthardt EC. Spatial and Frequency-specific Electrophysiological Signatures of Tonic Pain Recovery in Humans. Neuroscience 2021; 465:23-37. [PMID: 33894311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate patterns of brain activities associated with pain recovery following experimental tonic pain in humans. Specific electrophysiological features of pain recovery may either be monitored or be modulated through neurofeedback (NF) as a novel chronic pain treatment. The cold pressor test was applied with simultaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) recording. EEG data were acquired, and analyzed to define: (1) EEG power topography patterns of pain recovery; (2) source generators of pain recovery at cortical level; (3) changes in functional connectivity associated with pain recovery; (4) features of phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) as it relates to pain recovery. The novel finding of this study is that recovery from pain was characterized by significant theta power rebound at the left fronto-central area. The sources of theta power over-recovery were located in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), cingulate cortex, left insula and contralateral sensorimotor cortex. These effects were paralleled by theta band connectivity increase within hemispheres in a prefrontal-somatosensory network and interhemispherically between prefrontal and parietal areas. In addition, this study revealed significant reduction in PAC between theta/alpha and gamma oscillations during recovery period following tonic pain. These findings have largely been replicated across two identical sessions. Our study emphasizes the association between pain recovery and left lateral prefrontal theta power rebound, and significant over-recovery of functional connectivity in prefrontal-sensorimotor neural network synchronized at theta frequencies. These findings may provide basis for chronic pain treatment by modulating neural oscillations at theta frequencies in left prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabi Rustamov
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lokesh Sharma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sarah N Chiang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carrie Burk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington University Pain Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Simon Haroutounian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Washington University Pain Center, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Eric C Leuthardt
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Center for Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Louis, MO, USA
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24
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Slepian PM, France CR, Rhudy JL, Clark BC. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Alters Emotional Modulation of Spinal Nociception. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2020; 22:509-519. [PMID: 33253818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Emotion has a strong modulatory effect on pain perception and spinal nociception. Pleasure inhibits pain and nociception, whereas displeasure facilitates pain and nociception. Dysregulation of this system has been implicated in development and maintenance of chronic pain. The current study sought to examine whether emotional modulation of pain could be altered through the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to enhance (via anodal stimulation) or depress (via cathodal stimulation) cortical excitability in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Thirty-two participants (15 female, 17 male) received anodal, cathodal, and sham tDCS on three separate occasions, followed immediately by testing to examine the impact of pleasant and unpleasant images on pain and nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) responses to electrocutaneous stimulation. Results indicated that tDCS modulated the effect of image content on NFR, F(2, 2175.06) = 3.20, P= .04, with the expected linear slope following anodal stimulation (ie, pleasant < neutral < unpleasant) but not cathodal stimulation. These findings provide novel evidence that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is critical to emotional modulation of spinal nociception. Moreover, the results suggest a physiological basis for a previously identified phenotype associated with risk for chronic pain and thus a potentially new target for chronic pain prevention efforts. PERSPECTIVE: This study demonstrated that reduction of dorsolateral prefrontal cortical excitability by transcranial direct current stimulation attenuates the impact of emotional image viewing on nociceptive reflex activity during painful electrocutaneous stimulation. This result confirms there is cortical involvement in emotional modulation of spinal nociception and opens avenues for future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Maxwell Slepian
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Porter Hall, Athens, Ohio.
| | | | - Jamie L Rhudy
- Department of Psychology, University of Tulsa, Lorton Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Brian C Clark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Grosvenor Hall, Athens, Ohio
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25
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Deldar Z, Rustamov N, Blanchette I, Piché M. Improving working memory and pain inhibition in older persons using transcranial direct current stimulation. Neurosci Res 2019; 148:19-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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26
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Henriques IAD, Lattari E, Torres G, Rodrigues GM, Oliveira BRR, Neto GAM, Neto SRM, Machado S. Can transcranial direct current stimulation improve range of motion and modulate pain perception in healthy individuals? Neurosci Lett 2019; 707:134311. [PMID: 31158433 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of different electrode assemblies and electric current polarity on the ROM of the hip and pain perception. Ten healthy male, sedentary, right-leg-dominant, and aged between 19 and 30 years (24.0 ± 4.0 years) subjects were recruited. For the experimental conditions, the application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was performed with the following montages. In the montage 1, the cathodal electrode was placed over the motor cortex (MC) horizontally, and the anodal electrode was positioned over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). In the montage 2, the anodal electrode was placed over the MC bilaterally, and the cathode electrode was positioned over the left DLPFC. The sham montage was the same as the montage 1. In the montage 1 and 2 stimulation was applied with 2 mA current intensity for 20 min. In the Sham condition, the stimulator was turned off after 30 s of active stimulation and the electrodes remained on the participants for 20 min. Before and after experimental conditions (Pre-stimulation, Post-stimulation), the maximum Hip ROM and pain perception was measured. For the Montage 1, the maximum Hip ROM increased in post-stimulation compared to pre-stimulation, and in the Montage 2, the maximum Hip ROM decreased in post-stimulation compared to pre-stimulation. The pain perception in the Montage 1 decreased in the post-stimulation compared to pre-stimulation. In the post-stimulation, pain perception for the Montage 1 was lower compared to Montage 2 (p = 0.005), and sham (p = 0.004). When the anodic stimulus was applied on the left DLPFC and the cathodic stimulus on the motor cortex, an increase in ROM and a reduction in the pain perception was observed. This montage may to modulate pain perception and joint flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ighor Amadeu Dias Henriques
- Physical Activity Sciences Postgraduate Program - Salgado de Oliveira University (UNIVERSO), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Lattari
- Physical Activity Sciences Postgraduate Program - Salgado de Oliveira University (UNIVERSO), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Torres
- Physical Activity Sciences Postgraduate Program - Salgado de Oliveira University (UNIVERSO), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Moraes Rodrigues
- Physical Activity Sciences Postgraduate Program - Salgado de Oliveira University (UNIVERSO), Niterói, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Sérgio Machado
- Laboratory of Physical Activity Neuroscience, Physical Activity Sciences Postgraduate Program - Salgado de Oliveira University (UNIVERSO), Niterói, Brazil.
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27
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Brietzke AP, Zortea M, Carvalho F, Sanches PRS, Silva DPJ, Torres ILDS, Fregni F, Caumo W. Large Treatment Effect With Extended Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Fibromyalgia: A Proof of Concept Sham-Randomized Clinical Study. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2019; 21:212-224. [PMID: 31356985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This randomized, double-blind controlled trial tested the hypothesis that 60 sessions of home-based anodal (a)-transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) would be better than home-based sham-tDCS to improve the widespread pain and the disability-related to pain. The anodal-tDCS (2 mA for 30 minutes) over the left DLPFC was self-administered with a specially developed device following in-person training. Twenty women, 18 to 65 years old were randomized into 2 groups [active-(a)-tDCS (n = 10) or sham-(s)-tDCS (n = 10)]. Post hoc analysis revealed that after the first 20 sessions of a-tDCS, the cumulative pain scores reduced by 45.65% [7.25 (1.43) vs 3.94 (1.14), active vs sham tDCS, respectively]. After 60 sessions, during the 12-week assessment, pain scores reduced by 62.06% in the actively group [visual analogue scale reduction, 7.25 (1.43) to 2.75 (.85)] compared to 24.92% in the s-tDCS group, [mean (SD) 7.10 (1.81) vs 5.33 (.90)], respectively. It reduced the risk for analgesic use in 55%. Higher serum levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor predicted higher decreases on the pain scores across of treatment. PERSPECTIVE: These findings bring 3 important insights: 1) show that an extended period of treatment (60 sessions, to date the largest number of tDCS sessions tested) for fibromyalgia induces large pain decreases (a large effect size of 1.59) and 2) support the feasibility of home-based tDCS as a method of intervention; 3) provide additional data on DLPFC target for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Finally, our findings also highlight that brain-derived neurotrophic factor to index neuroplasticity may be a valuable predictor of the tDCS effect on pain scores decreases across the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline P Brietzke
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maxciel Zortea
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Carvalho
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Iraci Lucena da Silva Torres
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Pain and Palliative Care Service at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Pain and Palliative Care Service at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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28
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Seminowicz DA, de Martino E, Schabrun SM, Graven-Nielsen T. Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces the development of long-term muscle pain. Pain 2018; 159:2486-2492. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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