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Prillinger K, Amador de Lara G, Klöbl M, Lanzenberger R, Plener PL, Poustka L, Konicar L, Radev ST. Multisession tDCS combined with intrastimulation training improves emotion recognition in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Neurotherapeutics 2024:e00460. [PMID: 39393982 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00460] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicate that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising emerging treatment option for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its efficacy could be augmented using concurrent training. However, no intrastimulation social cognition training for ASD has been developed so far. The objective of this two-armed, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial is to investigate the effects of tDCS combined with a newly developed intrastimulation social cognition training on adolescents with ASD. Twenty-two male adolescents with ASD were randomly assigned to receive 10 sessions of either anodal or sham tDCS at F3/right supraorbital region together with online intrastimulation training comprising basic and complex emotion recognition tasks. Using baseline magnetic resonance imaging data, individual electric field distributions were simulated, and brain activation patterns of the training tasks were analyzed. Additionally, questionnaires were administered at baseline and following the intervention. Compared to sham tDCS, anodal tDCS significantly improved dynamic emotion recognition over the course of the sessions. This task also showed the highest activations in face processing regions. Moreover, the improvement was associated with electric field density at the medial prefrontal cortex and social awareness in exploratory analyses. Both groups showed high tolerability and acceptability of tDCS, and significant improvement in overall ASD symptoms. Taken together, multisession tDCS improved dynamic emotion recognition in adolescents with ASD using a task that activates brain regions associated with the social brain network. The variability in the electric field might diminish tDCS effects and future studies should investigate individualized approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Prillinger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics (CCP), Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neuroscience and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gabriel Amador de Lara
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics (CCP), Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neuroscience and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Klöbl
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neuroscience and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neuroscience and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul L Plener
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics (CCP), Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neuroscience and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, 89073 Ulm, Germany
| | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lilian Konicar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics (CCP), Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neuroscience and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan T Radev
- Cognitive Science Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 12180 Troy, New York, USA; Center for Modeling, Simulation and Imaging in Medicine (CEMSIM), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 12180 Troy, New York, USA
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Souza VH, Castro KVFD, de Melo-Carneiro P, de Oliveira Gomes I, Camatti JR, Oliveira IAVFD, Sá KN, Baptista AF, Lucena R, Zugaib J. tDCS and local scalp cooling do not change corticomotor and intracortical excitability in healthy humans. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 168:1-9. [PMID: 39388788 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.09.023] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Scalp cooling might increase the long-term potentiation (LTP)-like effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) by reducing the threshold for after-effects according to metaplasticity and increasing electrical current density reaching the cortical neurons. We aimed to investigate whether priming scalp cooling potentiates the tDCS after-effect on motor cortex excitability. METHODS This study had a randomized, parallel-arms, sham-controlled, double-blinded design with an adequately powered sample of 105 healthy subjects. Corticomotor and intracortical excitability were assessed with motor evoked potentials (MEP) from transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) paradigms. Subjects were randomly allocated into six intervention groups, including anodal and cathodal tDCS (1-mA/20-min), scalp cooling, and sham. MEPs were recorded before, immediately, and 15 min after the interventions. RESULTS We did not observe changes in MEP amplitude from single-pulse TMS, SICI, and ICF with any intervention protocol. CONCLUSION Anodal and cathodal tDCS did not have an LTP-like neuromodulatory effect on corticospinal and did not provide detectable GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission changes, which were not influenced by priming scalp cooling. SIGNIFICANCE We provide strong evidence that tDCS (1-mA/20-min) does not alter corticomotor and intracortical excitability with or without priming scalp cooling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor H Souza
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University School of Science, Espoo, Finland.
| | | | | | | | - Janine Ribeiro Camatti
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | | | - Katia Nunes Sá
- Postgraduation and Research, Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Abrahão Fontes Baptista
- Center for Mathematics, Computation and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Rita Lucena
- Graduate Program in Medicine and Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - João Zugaib
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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Kim E, Yun SJ, Oh BM, Seo HG. Impact of Electric Field Magnitude in the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex on Changes in Intrinsic Functional Connectivity Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: A Randomized Crossover Study. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25378. [PMID: 39225477 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25378] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated whether the electric field magnitude (E-field) delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) changes resting-state brain activity and the L-DLPFC resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC), given the variability in tDCS response and lack of understanding of how rsFC changes. Twenty-one healthy participants received either 2 mA anodal or sham tDCS targeting the L-DLPFC for 10 min. Brain imaging was conducted before and after stimulation. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF), reflecting resting brain activity, and the L-DLPFC rsFC were analyzed to investigate the main effect of tDCS, main effect of time, and interaction effects. The E-field was estimated by modeling tDCS-induced individual electric fields and correlated with fALFF and L-DLPFC rsFC. Anodal tDCS increased fALFF in the left rostral middle frontal area and decreased fALFF in the midline frontal area (FWE p < 0.050), whereas sham induced no changes. Overall rsFC decreased after sham (positive and negative connectivity, p = 0.001 and 0.020, respectively), with modest and nonsignificant changes after anodal tDCS (p = 0.063 and 0.069, respectively). No significant differences in local rsFC were observed among the conditions. Correlations were observed between the E-field and rsFC changes in the L-DLPFC (r = 0.385, p = 0.115), left inferior parietal area (r = 0.495, p = 0.037), and right lateral visual area (r = 0.683, p = 0.002). Single-session tDCS induced resting brain activity changes and may help maintain overall rsFC. The E-field in the L-DLPFC is associated with rsFC changes in both proximal and distally connected brain regions to the L-DLPFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyung Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Jung Yun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Human Systems Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Mo Oh
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute on Aging, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Han Gil Seo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Sajib SZK, Chauhan M, Sahu S, Boakye E, Sadleir RJ. Validation of conductivity tensor imaging against diffusion tensor magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17995. [PMID: 39097661 PMCID: PMC11297941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68551-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (DT-MREIT) and electrodeless conductivity tensor imaging (CTI) are two emerging modalities that can quantify low-frequency tissue anisotropic conductivity properties by assuming similar properties underlie ionic mobility and water diffusion. While both methods have potential applications to estimating neuro-modulation fields or formulating forward models used for electrical source imaging, a direct comparison of the two modalities has not yet been performed in-vitro or in-vivo. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the equivalence of these two modalities. We scanned a tissue phantom and the head of human subject using DT-MREIT and CTI protocols and reconstructed conductivity tensor and effective low frequency conductivities. We found both gray and white matter conductivities recovered by each technique were equivalent within 0.05 S/m. Both DT-MREIT and CTI require multiple processing steps, and we further assess the effects of each factor on reconstructions and evaluate the extent to which different measurement mechanisms potentially cause discrepancies between the two methods. Finally, we discuss the implications for spectral models of measuring conductivity using these techniques. The study further establishes the credibility of CTI as an electrodeless non-invasive method of measuring low frequency conductivity properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Z K Sajib
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - M Chauhan
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - S Sahu
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - E Boakye
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - R J Sadleir
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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Franco-Rosado P, Callejón MA, Reina-Tosina J, Roa LM, Martin-Rodriguez JF, Mir P. Addressing the sources of inter-subject variability in E-field parameters in anodal tDCS stimulation over motor cortical network. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:145013. [PMID: 38917834 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad5bb9] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Objetive: .Although transcranial direct current stimulation constitutes a non-invasive neuromodulation technique with promising results in a great variety of applications, its clinical implementation is compromised by the high inter-subject variability reported. This study aims to analyze the inter-subject variability in electric fields (E-fields) over regions of the cortical motor network under two electrode montages: the classical C3Fp2 and an alternative P3F3, which confines more the E-field over this region.Approach.Computational models of the head of 98 healthy subjects were developed to simulate the E-field under both montages. E-field parameters such as magnitude, focality and orientation were calculated over three regions of interest (ROI): M1S1, supplementary motor area (SMA) and preSMA. The role of anatomical characteristics as a source of inter-subject variability on E-field parameters and individualized stimulation intensity were addressed using linear mixed-effect models.Main results.P3F3 showed a more confined E-field distribution over M1S1 than C3Fp2; the latter elicited higher E-fields over supplementary motor areas. Both montages showed high inter-subject variability, especially for the normal component over C3Fp2. Skin, bone and CSF ROI volumes showed a negative association with E-field magnitude irrespective of montage. Grey matter volume and montage were the main sources of variability for focality. The curvature of gyri was found to be significantly associated with the variability of normal E-fields.Significance.Computational modeling proves useful in the assessment of E-field variability. Our simulations predict significant differences in E-field magnitude and focality for C3Fp2 and P3F3. However, anatomical characteristics were also found to be significant sources of E-field variability irrespective of electrode montage. The normal E-field component better captured the individual variability and low rate of responder subjects observed in experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Franco-Rosado
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento, Servicio de Neurología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Ingeniería Biomédica, Departamento de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Departamento de Psicología Experimental, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - M Amparo Callejón
- Grupo de Ingeniería Biomédica, Departamento de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Javier Reina-Tosina
- Grupo de Ingeniería Biomédica, Departamento de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Laura M Roa
- Grupo de Ingeniería Biomédica, Departamento de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan F Martin-Rodriguez
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento, Servicio de Neurología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Psicología Experimental, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Pablo Mir
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento, Servicio de Neurología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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Meinzer M, Shahbabaie A, Antonenko D, Blankenburg F, Fischer R, Hartwigsen G, Nitsche MA, Li SC, Thielscher A, Timmann D, Waltemath D, Abdelmotaleb M, Kocataş H, Caisachana Guevara LM, Batsikadze G, Grundei M, Cunha T, Hayek D, Turker S, Schlitt F, Shi Y, Khan A, Burke M, Riemann S, Niemann F, Flöel A. Investigating the neural mechanisms of transcranial direct current stimulation effects on human cognition: current issues and potential solutions. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1389651. [PMID: 38957187 PMCID: PMC11218740 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1389651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been studied extensively for its potential to enhance human cognitive functions in healthy individuals and to treat cognitive impairment in various clinical populations. However, little is known about how tDCS modulates the neural networks supporting cognition and the complex interplay with mediating factors that may explain the frequently observed variability of stimulation effects within and between studies. Moreover, research in this field has been characterized by substantial methodological variability, frequent lack of rigorous experimental control and small sample sizes, thereby limiting the generalizability of findings and translational potential of tDCS. The present manuscript aims to delineate how these important issues can be addressed within a neuroimaging context, to reveal the neural underpinnings, predictors and mediators of tDCS-induced behavioral modulation. We will focus on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), because it allows the investigation of tDCS effects with excellent spatial precision and sufficient temporal resolution across the entire brain. Moreover, high resolution structural imaging data can be acquired for precise localization of stimulation effects, verification of electrode positions on the scalp and realistic current modeling based on individual head and brain anatomy. However, the general principles outlined in this review will also be applicable to other imaging modalities. Following an introduction to the overall state-of-the-art in this field, we will discuss in more detail the underlying causes of variability in previous tDCS studies. Moreover, we will elaborate on design considerations for tDCS-fMRI studies, optimization of tDCS and imaging protocols and how to assure high-level experimental control. Two additional sections address the pressing need for more systematic investigation of tDCS effects across the healthy human lifespan and implications for tDCS studies in age-associated disease, and potential benefits of establishing large-scale, multidisciplinary consortia for more coordinated tDCS research in the future. We hope that this review will contribute to more coordinated, methodologically sound, transparent and reproducible research in this field. Ultimately, our aim is to facilitate a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which tDCS modulates human cognitive functions and more effective and individually tailored translational and clinical applications of this technique in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Meinzer
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Alireza Shahbabaie
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Daria Antonenko
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Felix Blankenburg
- Neurocomputation and Neuroimaging Unit, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rico Fischer
- Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gesa Hartwigsen
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Wilhelm Wundt Institute for Psychology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael A. Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Bochum, Germany
- Bielefeld University, University Hospital OWL, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Shu-Chen Li
- Chair of Lifespan Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Axel Thielscher
- Section for Magnetic Resonance, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Waltemath
- Core Unit Data Integration Center, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Harun Kocataş
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Giorgi Batsikadze
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Miro Grundei
- Neurocomputation and Neuroimaging Unit, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Teresa Cunha
- Section for Magnetic Resonance, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Dayana Hayek
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sabrina Turker
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Wilhelm Wundt Institute for Psychology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Frederik Schlitt
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yiquan Shi
- Chair of Lifespan Developmental Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Asad Khan
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael Burke
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Steffen Riemann
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Filip Niemann
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Agnes Flöel
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE Site Greifswald), Greifswald, Germany
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Niemann F, Riemann S, Hubert AK, Antonenko D, Thielscher A, Martin AK, Unger N, Flöel A, Meinzer M. Electrode positioning errors reduce current dose for focal tDCS set-ups: Evidence from individualized electric field mapping. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 162:201-209. [PMID: 38643613 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.03.031] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electrode positioning errors contribute to variability of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effects. We investigated the impact of electrode positioning errors on current flow for tDCS set-ups with different focality. METHODS Deviations from planned electrode positions were determined using data acquired in an experimental study (N = 240 datasets) that administered conventional and focal tDCS during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Comparison of individualized electric field modeling for planned and empirically derived "actual" electrode positions was conducted to quantify the impact of positioning errors on the electric field dose in target regions for tDCS. RESULTS Planned electrode positions resulted in higher current dose in the target regions for focal compared to conventional montages (7-12%). Deviations from planned positions significantly reduced current flow in the target regions, selectively for focal set-ups (26-30%). Dose reductions were significantly larger for focal compared to conventional set-ups (29-43%). CONCLUSIONS Precise positioning is crucial when using focal tDCS set-ups to avoid significant reductions of current dose in the intended target regions. SIGNIFICANCE Our results highlight the urgent need to routinely implement methods for improving electrode positioning, minimization of electrode drift, verification of electrode positions before and/or after tDCS and also to consider positioning errors when investigating dose-response relationships, especially for focal set-ups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Niemann
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Steffen Riemann
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Hubert
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Daria Antonenko
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Axel Thielscher
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark; Technical University of Denmark, Department of Health Technology, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andrew K Martin
- Kent University, School of Psychology, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Unger
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Agnes Flöel
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE Site Greifswald), Greifswald, Germany
| | - Marcus Meinzer
- University Medicine Greifswald, Department of Neurology, Greifswald, Germany.
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Qiu J, Gu W, Zhang Y, Wang L, Shen J. Alterations of the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with antidepressants treatment for major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2024; 340:111792. [PMID: 38484532 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2024.111792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the neuroimaging changes and clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with antidepressants in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. We scanned 35 patients with MDD and 27 healthy controls (HC) with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after treatment. We analyzed amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and the correlation with clinical variables. The rate of significant efficacy after treatment was higher in the combination treatment group than in the antidepressant group, although not statistically significant. At baseline, ALFF increased in the left middle temporal, brain stem, and left cerebellum and decreased in the right anterior cingulate (ACC), right orbital frontal cortex (OFC), and right caudate. ALFF increased in the left fusiform and decreased in the right lingual gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, and left superior occipital gyrus after antidepressants. ALFF increased in the right ACC, right OFC, and right rectus after combination treatment. ALFF changes in the right ACC/OFC were negatively correlated with HAMD changes. After treatment, abnormal activity in some brain regions normalized, but these regions differed between the two treatment groups. rTMS combined with antidepressants therapy may improve MDD symptoms by improving neuronal activity levels in the right ACC and right OFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qiu
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Radiology, Soochow University Affiliated Guangji Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weiguo Gu
- Department of Radiology, Soochow University Affiliated Guangji Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Soochow University Affiliated Guangji Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Soochow University Affiliated Guangji Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Junkang Shen
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Imaging Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Fromm AE, Grittner U, Brodt S, Flöel A, Antonenko D. No Object-Location Memory Improvement through Focal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over the Right Temporoparietal Cortex. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:539. [PMID: 38792561 PMCID: PMC11122124 DOI: 10.3390/life14050539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Remembering objects and their associated location (object-location memory; OLM), is a fundamental cognitive function, mediated by cortical and subcortical brain regions. Previously, the combination of OLM training and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) suggested beneficial effects, but the evidence remains heterogeneous. Here, we applied focal tDCS over the right temporoparietal cortex in 52 participants during a two-day OLM training, with anodal tDCS (2 mA, 20 min) or sham (40 s) on the first day. The focal stimulation did not enhance OLM performance on either training day (stimulation effect: -0.09, 95%CI: [-0.19; 0.02], p = 0.08). Higher electric field magnitudes in the target region were not associated with individual performance benefits. Participants with content-related learning strategies showed slightly superior performance compared to participants with position-related strategies. Additionally, training gains were associated with individual verbal learning skills. Consequently, the lack of behavioral benefits through focal tDCS might be due to the involvement of different cognitive processes and brain regions, reflected by participant's learning strategies. Future studies should evaluate whether other brain regions or memory-relevant networks may be involved in the modulation of object-location associations, investigating other target regions, and further exploring individualized stimulation parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Elisabeth Fromm
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), 10178 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Svenja Brodt
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Agnes Flöel
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Standort Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Daria Antonenko
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
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Kim T, Kang DW, Salazar Fajardo JC, Jang H, Um YH, Kim S, Wang SM, Kim D, Lim HK. Safety and feasibility of optimized transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease: a multicenter study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1356073. [PMID: 38660096 PMCID: PMC11040101 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1356073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may effectively preserve and improve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Research has shown that Individual brain characteristics can influence the effects of tDCS. Computer three-dimensional brain modeling based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been suggested as an alternative for determining the most accurate tDCS electrode position based on the patients' individual brain characteristics to enhance tDCS effects. Therefore, this study aims to determine the feasibility and safety of applying tDCS treatment using optimized and personalized tDCS electrode positions in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD)-induced MCI using computer modeling and compare the results with those of a sham group to improve cognitive function. Method A prospective active-sham group feasibility study was set to recruit 40 participants, who will be randomized into Optimized-tDCS and Sham-tDCS groups. The parameters for tDCS will be 2 mA (disk electrodes R = 1.5 cm) for 30 min during two sets of 15 sessions (2 weeks of resting period in between), using two electrodes in pairs. Using computer modeling, the tDCS electrode positions of each participant will be personalized. Outcome measurements are going to be obtained at three points: baseline, first post-test, and second post-test. The AD assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) and the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), together with other secondary outcomes and safety tests will be used. Discussion For the present study, we hypothesize that compared to a sham group, the optimized personalized tDCS application would be effective in improving the cognitive function of patients with AD-induced MCI and the participants would tolerate the tDCS intervention without any significant adverse effects.Clinical trial registration: https://cris.nih.go.kr, identifier [KCT0008918].
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Affiliation(s)
- TaeYeong Kim
- Research Institute, Neurophet Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Woo Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Hanna Jang
- Research Institute, Neurophet Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Hyun Um
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghwan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sheng-Min Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyeon Kim
- Research Institute, Neurophet Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Kook Lim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Yoon MJ, Park HJ, Yoo YJ, Oh HM, Im S, Kim TW, Lim SH. Electric field simulation and appropriate electrode positioning for optimized transcranial direct current stimulation of stroke patients: an in Silico model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2850. [PMID: 38310134 PMCID: PMC10838316 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52874-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has benefits for motor rehabilitation in stroke patients, but its clinical application is limited due to inter-individual heterogeneous effects. Recently, optimized tDCS that considers individual brain structure has been proposed, but the utility thereof has not been studied in detail. We explored whether optimized tDCS provides unique electrode positions for each patient and creates a higher target electric field than the conventional approach. A comparative within-subject simulation study was conducted using data collected for a randomized controlled study evaluating the effect of optimized tDCS on upper extremity function in stroke patients. Using Neurophet tES LAB 3.0 software, individual brain models were created based on magnetic resonance images and tDCS simulations were performed for each of the conventional and optimized configurations. A comparison of electrode positions between conventional tDCS and optimized tDCS was quantified by calculation of Euclidean distances. A total of 21 stroke patients were studied. Optimized tDCS produced a higher electric field in the hand motor region than conventional tDCS, with an average improvement of 20% and a maximum of 52%. The electrode montage for optimized tDCS was unique to each patient and exhibited various configurations that differed from electrode placement of conventional tDCS. Optimized tDCS afforded a higher electric field in the target of a stroke patient compared to conventional tDCS, which was made possible by appropriately positioning the electrodes. Our findings may encourage further trials on optimized tDCS for motor rehabilitation after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Jeong Yoon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jung Park
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeun Jie Yoo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Mi Oh
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Traffic Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Jungang-Ro 260, Yangpyeong-EupGyeongki-Do, Yangpyeong-Goon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Im
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Woo Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Traffic Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Jungang-Ro 260, Yangpyeong-EupGyeongki-Do, Yangpyeong-Goon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seong Hoon Lim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
- Institute for Basic Medical Science, Catholic Medical Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Kim T, Salazar Fajardo JC, Jang H, Lee J, Kim Y, Kim G, Kim D. Effect of optimized transcranial direct current stimulation on motor cortex activation in patients with sub-acute or chronic stroke: a study protocol for a single-blinded cross-over randomized control trial. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1328727. [PMID: 38192515 PMCID: PMC10773722 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1328727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown positive but inconsistent results in stroke rehabilitation. This could be attributed to inter-individual variations in brain characteristics and stroke lesions, which limit the use of a single tDCS protocol for all post-stroke patients. Optimizing the electrode location in tDCS for each individual using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to generate three-dimensional computer models and calculate the electric field (E-field) induced by tDCS at a specific target point in the primary motor cortex may help reduce these inconsistencies. In stroke rehabilitation, locating the optimal position that generates a high E-field in a target area can influence motor recovery. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the effect of personalized tDCS electrode positions on hand-knob activation in post-stroke patients. Method This is a crossover study with a sample size of 50 participants, who will be randomly assigned to one of six groups and will receive one session of either optimized-active, conventional-active, or sham tDCS, with 24 h between sessions. The tDCS parameters will be 1 mA (5 × 5 cm electrodes) for 20 min. The motor-evoked potential (MEP) will be recorded before and after each session over the target area (motor cortex hand-knob) and the MEP hotspot. The MEP amplitude at the target location will be the primary outcome. Discussion We hypothesize that the optimized-active tDCS session would show a greater increase in MEP amplitude over the target area in patients with subacute and chronic stroke than conventional and sham tDCS sessions.Clinical trial registration: https://cris.nih.go.kr, identifier KCT0007536.
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Affiliation(s)
- TaeYeong Kim
- Research Institute, Neurophet Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Hanna Jang
- Research Institute, Neurophet Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juwon Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonkyung Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Gowun Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyeon Kim
- Research Institute, Neurophet Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Fujiyama H, Williams A, Tan J, Levin O, Hinder MR. Comparison of online and offline applications of dual-site transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) over the pre-supplementary motor area (preSMA) and right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) for improving response inhibition. Neuropsychologia 2023; 191:108737. [PMID: 37995902 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108737] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is thought to be brain state-dependent, such that tACS during task performance would be hypothesised to offer greater potential for improving performance compared to tACS at rest. However, to date, no empirical study has tested this postulation. The current study compared the effects of dual-site beta tACS applied during a stop signal task (online) to the effects of the same tACS protocol applied prior to the task (offline) and a sham control stimulation in 53 young, healthy adults (32 female; 18-35 yrs). The right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) and centre (midline) of the pre-supplementary motor area (preSMA), which are thought to play critical roles in action cancellation, were simultaneously stimulated, sending phase-synchronised stimulation for 15 min with the aim of increasing functional connectivity. The offline group showed significant within-group improvement in response inhibition without showing overt task-related changes in functional connectivity measured with EEG connectivity analysis, suggesting offline tACS is efficacious in inducing behavioural changes potentially via a post-stimulation early plasticity mechanism. In contrast, neither the online nor sham group showed significant improvements in response inhibition. However, EEG connectivity analysis revealed significantly increased task-related functional connectivity following online stimulation and a medium effect size observed in correlation analyses suggested that an increase in functional connectivity in the beta band at rest was potentially associated with an improvement in response inhibition. Overall, the results indicate that both online and offline dual-site beta tACS can be beneficial in improving inhibitory control via distinct underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakuei Fujiyama
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia.
| | | | - Jane Tan
- School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Oron Levin
- Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania; Movement Control & Neuroplasticity Research Group, Group Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mark R Hinder
- Sensorimotor Neuroscience and Ageing Research Group, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
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Soleimani G, Kuplicki R, Camchong J, Opitz A, Paulus MP, Lim KO, Ekhtiari H. Are we really targeting and stimulating DLPFC by placing transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) electrodes over F3/F4? Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:6275-6287. [PMID: 37750607 PMCID: PMC10619406 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In many clinical trials involving transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), target electrodes are typically placed over DLPFC with the assumption that this will primarily stimulate the underlying brain region. However, our study aimed to evaluate the electric fields (EF) that are actually delivered and identify prefrontal regions that may be inadvertently targeted in DLPFC tES. Head models were generated from the Human Connectome Project database's T1 + T2-weighted MRIs of 80 healthy adults. Two common DLPFC montages were simulated; symmetric-F4/F3, and asymmetric-F4/Fp1. Averaged EF was extracted from (1) the center of the target electrode (F4), and (2) the top 1% of voxels showing the strongest EF in individualized EF maps. Interindividual variabilities were quantified with the standard deviation of EF peak location/value. Similar steps were repeated with 66 participants with methamphetamine use disorder (MUDs) as an independent clinical population. In healthy adults, the group-level location of EF peaks was situated in the medial-frontopolar, and the individualized EF peaks were positioned in a cube with a volume of 29 cm3 /46 cm3 (symmetric/asymmetric montages). EFs in the frontopolar area were significantly higher than EF "under" the target electrode in both symmetric (peak: 0.41 ± 0.06, F4:0.22 ± 0.04) and asymmetric (peak: 0.38 ± 0.04, F4:0.2 ± 0.04) montages (Heges'g > 0.7). Similar results with slight between-group differences were found in MUDs. We highlighted that in common DLPFC tES montages, in addition to interindividual/intergroup variability, the frontopolar received the highest EFs rather than DLPFC as the main target. We specifically recommended considering the potential involvement of the frontopolar area as a mechanism underlying the effectiveness of DLPFC tES protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Soleimani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Rayus Kuplicki
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR)TulsaOklahomaUSA
| | - Jazmin Camchong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Alexander Opitz
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | | | - Kelvin O. Lim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Hamed Ekhtiari
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR)TulsaOklahomaUSA
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15
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De Koninck BP, Brazeau D, Guay S, Herrero Babiloni A, De Beaumont L. Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation to Modulate Alpha Activity: A Systematic Review. Neuromodulation 2023; 26:1549-1584. [PMID: 36725385 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.12.007] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has been one of numerous investigation methods used for their potential to modulate brain oscillations; however, such investigations have given contradictory results and a lack of standardization. OBJECTIVES In this systematic review, we aimed to assess the potential of tACS to modulate alpha spectral power. The secondary outcome was the identification of tACS methodologic key parameters, adverse effects, and sensations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies in healthy adults who were receiving active and sham tACS intervention or any differential condition were included. The main outcome assessed was the increase/decrease of alpha spectral power through either electroencephalography or magnetoencephalography. Secondary outcomes were methodologic parameters, sensation reporting, and adverse effects. Risks of bias and the study quality were assessed with the Cochrane assessment tool. RESULTS We obtained 1429 references, and 20 met the selection criteria. A statistically significant alpha-power increase was observed in nine studies using continuous tACS stimulation and two using intermittent tACS stimulation set at a frequency within the alpha range. A statistically significant alpha-power increase was observed in three more studies using a stimulation frequency outside the alpha range. Heterogeneity among stimulation parameters was recognized. Reported adverse effects were mild. The implementation of double blind was identified as challenging using tACS, in part owing to electrical artifacts generated by stimulation on the recorded signal. CONCLUSIONS Most assessed studies reported that tACS has the potential to modulate brain alpha power. The optimization of this noninvasive brain stimulation method is of interest mostly for its potential clinical applications with neurological conditions associated with perturbations in alpha brain activity. However, more research efforts are needed to standardize optimal parameters to achieve lasting modulation effects, develop methodologic alternatives to reduce experimental bias, and improve the quality of studies using tACS to modulate brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice P De Koninck
- Sports and Trauma Applied Research Lab, Montreal Sacred Heart Hospital, CIUSSS North-Montreal-Island, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; University of Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Daphnée Brazeau
- Sports and Trauma Applied Research Lab, Montreal Sacred Heart Hospital, CIUSSS North-Montreal-Island, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; University of Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Samuel Guay
- Sports and Trauma Applied Research Lab, Montreal Sacred Heart Hospital, CIUSSS North-Montreal-Island, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; University of Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alberto Herrero Babiloni
- Sports and Trauma Applied Research Lab, Montreal Sacred Heart Hospital, CIUSSS North-Montreal-Island, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; University of Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louis De Beaumont
- Sports and Trauma Applied Research Lab, Montreal Sacred Heart Hospital, CIUSSS North-Montreal-Island, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; University of Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Evans C, Johnstone A, Zich C, Lee JSA, Ward NS, Bestmann S. The impact of brain lesions on tDCS-induced electric fields. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19430. [PMID: 37940660 PMCID: PMC10632455 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45905-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance motor and language rehabilitation after stroke. Though brain lesions distort tDCS-induced electric field (E-field), systematic accounts remain limited. Using electric field modelling, we investigated the effect of 630 synthetic lesions on E-field magnitude in the region of interest (ROI). Models were conducted for two tDCS montages targeting either primary motor cortex (M1) or Broca's area (BA44). Absolute E-field magnitude in the ROI differed by up to 42% compared to the non-lesioned brain depending on lesion size, lesion-ROI distance, and lesion conductivity value. Lesion location determined the sign of this difference: lesions in-line with the predominant direction of current increased E-field magnitude in the ROI, whereas lesions located in the opposite direction decreased E-field magnitude. We further explored how individualised tDCS can control lesion-induced effects on E-field. Lesions affected the individualised electrode configuration needed to maximise E-field magnitude in the ROI, but this effect was negligible when prioritising the maximisation of radial inward current. Lesions distorting tDCS-induced E-field, is likely to exacerbate inter-individual variability in E-field magnitude. Individualising electrode configuration and stimulator output can minimise lesion-induced variability but requires improved estimates of lesion conductivity. Individualised tDCS is critical to overcome E-field variability in lesioned brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carys Evans
- Department for Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Ainslie Johnstone
- Department for Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Catharina Zich
- Department for Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, FMRIB, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jenny S A Lee
- Department for Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nick S Ward
- Department for Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
- UCLP Centre for Neurorehabilitation, London, UK
| | - Sven Bestmann
- Department for Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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17
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Firouzi M, Baetens K, Saeys M, Duta C, Baeken C, Van Overwalle F, Swinnen E, Deroost N. Differential effects of conventional and high-definition transcranial direct-current stimulation of the motor cortex on implicit motor sequence learning. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:4181-4194. [PMID: 37864365 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Conventional transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) delivered to the primary motor cortex (M1) has been shown to enhance implicit motor sequence learning (IMSL). Conventional tDCS targets M1 but also the motor association cortices (MAC), making the precise contribution of these areas to IMSL presently unclear. We aimed to address this issue by comparing conventional tDCS of M1 and MAC to 4 * 1 high-definition (HD) tDCS, which more focally targets M1. In this mixed-factorial, sham-controlled, crossover study in 89 healthy young adults, we used mixed-effects models to analyse sequence-specific and general learning effects in the acquisition and short- and long-term consolidation phases of IMSL, as measured by the serial reaction time task. Conventional tDCS did not influence general learning, improved sequence-specific learning during acquisition (anodal: M = 42.64 ms, sham: M = 32.87 ms, p = .041), and seemingly deteriorated it at long-term consolidation (anodal: M = 75.37 ms, sham: M = 86.63 ms, p = .019). HD tDCS did not influence general learning, slowed performance specifically in sequential blocks across all learning phases (all p's < .050), and consequently deteriorated sequence-specific learning during acquisition (anodal: M = 24.13 ms, sham: M = 35.67 ms, p = .014) and long-term consolidation (anodal: M = 60.03 ms, sham: M = 75.01 ms, p = .002). Our findings indicate that the observed superior conventional tDCS effects on IMSL are possibly attributable to a generalized stimulation of M1 and/or adjacent MAC, rather than M1 alone. Alternatively, the differential effects can be attributed to cathodal inhibition of other cortical areas involved in IMSL by the 4 * 1 HD tDCS return electrodes, and/or more variable electric field strengths induced by HD tDCS, compared with conventional tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahyar Firouzi
- Brain, Body and Cognition Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette, Belgium
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Kris Baetens
- Brain, Body and Cognition Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Manon Saeys
- Brain, Body and Cognition Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Catalina Duta
- Brain, Body and Cognition Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Chris Baeken
- Brain, Body and Cognition Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent University, University Hospital Ghent (UZ Ghent), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Jette, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Hospital Brussel (UZ Brussel), Jette, Belgium
| | - Frank Van Overwalle
- Brain, Body and Cognition Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Eva Swinnen
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette, Belgium
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
| | - Natacha Deroost
- Brain, Body and Cognition Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Elsene, Belgium
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Van Hoornweder S, Nuyts M, Frieske J, Verstraelen S, Meesen RLJ, Caulfield KA. Outcome measures for electric field modeling in tES and TMS: A systematic review and large-scale modeling study. Neuroimage 2023; 281:120379. [PMID: 37716590 PMCID: PMC11008458 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electric field (E-field) modeling is a potent tool to estimate the amount of transcranial magnetic and electrical stimulation (TMS and tES, respectively) that reaches the cortex and to address the variable behavioral effects observed in the field. However, outcome measures used to quantify E-fields vary considerably and a thorough comparison is missing. OBJECTIVES This two-part study aimed to examine the different outcome measures used to report on tES and TMS induced E-fields, including volume- and surface-level gray matter, region of interest (ROI), whole brain, geometrical, structural, and percentile-based approaches. The study aimed to guide future research in informed selection of appropriate outcome measures. METHODS Three electronic databases were searched for tES and/or TMS studies quantifying E-fields. The identified outcome measures were compared across volume- and surface-level E-field data in ten tES and TMS modalities targeting two common targets in 100 healthy individuals. RESULTS In the systematic review, we extracted 308 outcome measures from 202 studies that adopted either a gray matter volume-level (n = 197) or surface-level (n = 111) approach. Volume-level results focused on E-field magnitude, while surface-level data encompassed E-field magnitude (n = 64) and normal/tangential E-field components (n = 47). E-fields were extracted in ROIs, such as brain structures and shapes (spheres, hexahedra and cylinders), or the whole brain. Percentiles or mean values were mostly used to quantify E-fields. Our modeling study, which involved 1,000 E-field models and > 1,000,000 extracted E-field values, revealed that different outcome measures yielded distinct E-field values, analyzed different brain regions, and did not always exhibit strong correlations in the same within-subject E-field model. CONCLUSIONS Outcome measure selection significantly impacts the locations and intensities of extracted E-field data in both tES and TMS E-field models. The suitability of different outcome measures depends on the target region, TMS/tES modality, individual anatomy, the analyzed E-field component and the research question. To enhance the quality, rigor, and reproducibility in the E-field modeling domain, we suggest standard reporting practices across studies and provide four recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybren Van Hoornweder
- REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Marten Nuyts
- REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Joana Frieske
- REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Verstraelen
- REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Raf L J Meesen
- REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kevin A Caulfield
- Brain Stimulation Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
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Aberra AS, Wang R, Grill WM, Peterchev AV. Multi-scale model of axonal and dendritic polarization by transcranial direct current stimulation in realistic head geometry. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:1776-1791. [PMID: 38056825 PMCID: PMC10842743 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation modality that can alter cortical excitability. However, it remains unclear how the subcellular elements of different neuron types are polarized by specific electric field (E-field) distributions. OBJECTIVE To quantify neuronal polarization generated by tDCS in a multi-scale computational model. METHODS We embedded layer-specific, morphologically-realistic cortical neuron models in a finite element model of the E-field in a human head and simulated steady-state polarization generated by conventional primary-motor-cortex-supraorbital (M1-SO) and 4 × 1 high-definition (HD) tDCS. We quantified somatic, axonal, and dendritic polarization of excitatory pyramidal cells in layers 2/3, 5, and 6, as well as inhibitory interneurons in layers 1 and 4 of the hand knob. RESULTS Axonal and dendritic terminals were polarized more than the soma in all neurons, with peak axonal and dendritic polarization of 0.92 mV and 0.21 mV, respectively, compared to peak somatic polarization of 0.07 mV for 1.8 mA M1-SO stimulation. Both montages generated regions of depolarization and hyperpolarization beneath the M1 anode; M1-SO produced slightly stronger, more diffuse polarization peaking in the central sulcus, while 4 × 1 HD produced higher peak polarization in the gyral crown. The E-field component normal to the cortical surface correlated strongly with pyramidal neuron somatic polarization (R2>0.9), but exhibited weaker correlations with peak pyramidal axonal and dendritic polarization (R2:0.5-0.9) and peak polarization in all subcellular regions of interneurons (R2:0.3-0.6). Simulating polarization by uniform local E-field extracted at the soma approximated the spatial distribution of tDCS polarization but produced large errors in some regions (median absolute percent error: 7.9 %). CONCLUSIONS Polarization of pre- and postsynaptic compartments of excitatory and inhibitory cortical neurons may play a significant role in tDCS neuromodulation. These effects cannot be predicted from the E-field distribution alone but rather require calculation of the neuronal response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman S Aberra
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, NC, USA.
| | - Ruochen Wang
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, NC, USA; Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, NC, USA.
| | - Warren M Grill
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, NC, USA; Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, NC, USA; Dept. of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, NC, USA; Dept. of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Duke University, NC, USA.
| | - Angel V Peterchev
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, NC, USA; Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Duke University, NC, USA; Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, NC, USA; Dept. of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Duke University, NC, USA.
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20
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Soleimani G, Kupliki R, Paulus M, Ekhtiari H. Dose-response in modulating brain function with transcranial direct current stimulation: From local to network levels. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011572. [PMID: 37883583 PMCID: PMC10629666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the dose-response relationship is crucial in studying the effects of brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The dose-response relationship refers to the relationship between the received stimulation dose and the resulting response, which can be described as a function of the dose at various levels, including single/multiple neurons, clusters, regions, or networks. Here, we are focused on the received stimulation dose obtained from computational head models and brain responses which are quantified by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. In this randomized, triple-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial, we recruited sixty participants with methamphetamine use disorders (MUDs) as a sample clinical population who were randomly assigned to receive either sham or active tDCS. Structural and functional MRI data, including high-resolution T1 and T2-weighted MRI, resting-state functional MRI, and a methamphetamine cue-reactivity task fMRI, were acquired before and after tDCS. Individual head models were generated using the T1 and T2-weighted MRI data to simulate electric fields. In a linear approach, we investigated the associations between electric fields (received dose) and changes in brain function (response) at four different levels: voxel level, regional level (using atlas-based parcellation), cluster level (identifying active clusters), and network level (task-based functional connectivity). At the voxel level, regional level, and cluster level, no FDR-corrected significant correlation was observed between changes in functional activity and electric fields. However, at the network level, a significant positive correlation was found between frontoparietal connectivity and the electric field at the frontopolar stimulation site (r = 0.42, p corrected = 0.02; medium effect size). Our proposed pipeline offers a methodological framework for analyzing tDCS effects by exploring dose-response relationships at different levels, enabling a direct link between electric field variability and the neural response to tDCS. The results indicate that network-based analysis provides valuable insights into the dependency of tDCS neuromodulatory effects on the individual's regional current dose. Integration of dose-response relationships can inform dose optimization, customization, or the extraction of predictive/treatment-response biomarkers in future brain stimulation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Soleimani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Rayus Kupliki
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Martin Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Hamed Ekhtiari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States of America
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21
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Maas RPPWM, Faber J, van de Warrenburg BPC, Schutter DJLG. Interindividual differences in posterior fossa morphometry affect cerebellar tDCS-induced electric field strength. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 153:152-165. [PMID: 37499446 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clinical, behavioural, and neurophysiological effects of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are highly variable and difficult to predict. We aimed to examine associations between cerebellar tDCS-induced electric field strength, morphometric posterior fossa parameters, and skin-cerebellum distance. As a secondary objective, field characteristics were compared between cephalic and extracephalic electrode configurations. METHODS Electric field simulations of midline cerebellar tDCS (7 × 5 cm electrodes, current intensities of 2 mA) were performed on MRI-based head models from 37 healthy adults using buccinator, frontopolar, and lower neck reference electrodes. Average field strengths were determined in eight regions of interest (ROIs) covering the anterior and posterior vermis and cerebellar hemispheres. Besides skin-cerebellum distance, various angles were measured between posterior fossa structures. Multivariable linear regression models were used to identify predictors of field strength in different ROIs. RESULTS Skin-cerebellum distance and "pons angle" were independently associated with field strength in the anterior and posterior vermis. "Cerebellar angle" and skin-cerebellum distance affected field strength in anterior and posterior regions of the right cerebellar hemisphere. Field strengths in all examined cerebellar areas were highest in the frontopolar and lowest in the lower neck montage, while the opposite was found for field focality. The lower neck montage induced considerably less spreading toward anterior cerebellar regions compared with the buccinator and frontopolar montages, which resulted in a more evenly distributed field within the cerebellum. CONCLUSION In addition to skin-cerebellum distance, interindividual differences in posterior fossa morphometry, specifically pons and cerebellar angle, explain part of the variability in cerebellar tDCS-induced electric field strength. Furthermore, when targeting the midline cerebellum with tDCS, an extracephalic reference electrode is associated with lower field strengths and higher field focality than cephalic montages. SIGNIFICANCE This study identifies two novel subject-specific anatomical factors that partly determine cerebellar tDCS-induced electric field strength and reveals differences in field characteristics between electrode montages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick P P W M Maas
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Jennifer Faber
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis J L G Schutter
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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22
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Aberra AS, Wang R, Grill WM, Peterchev AV. Multi-scale model of axonal and dendritic polarization by transcranial direct current stimulation in realistic head geometry. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.23.554447. [PMID: 37767087 PMCID: PMC10522328 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.23.554447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation modality that can alter cortical excitability. However, it remains unclear how the subcellular elements of different neuron types are polarized by specific electric field (E-field) distributions. Objective To quantify neuronal polarization generated by tDCS in a multi-scale computational model. Methods We embedded layer-specific, morphologically-realistic cortical neuron models in a finite element model of the E-field in a human head and simulated steady-state polarization generated by conventional primary-motor-cortex-supraorbital (M1-SO) and 4×1 high-definition (HD) tDCS. We quantified somatic, axonal, and dendritic polarization of excitatory pyramidal cells in layers 2/3, 5, and 6, as well as inhibitory interneurons in layers 1 and 4 of the hand knob. Results Axonal and dendritic terminals were polarized more than the soma in all neurons, with peak axonal and dendritic polarization of 0.92 mV and 0.21 mV, respectively, compared to peak somatic polarization of 0.07 mV for 1.8 mA M1-SO stimulation. Both montages generated regions of depolarization and hyperpolarization beneath the M1 anode; M1-SO produced slightly stronger, more diffuse polarization peaking in the central sulcus, while 4×1 HD produced higher peak polarization in the gyral crown. Simulating polarization by uniform local E-field approximated the spatial distribution of tDCS polarization but produced large errors in some regions. Conclusions Polarization of pre- and postsynaptic compartments of excitatory and inhibitory cortical neurons may play a significant role in tDCS neuromodulation. These effects cannot be predicted from the E-field distribution alone but rather require calculation of the neuronal response.
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Radecke JO, Fiene M, Misselhorn J, Herrmann CS, Engel AK, Wolters CH, Schneider TR. Personalized alpha-tACS targeting left posterior parietal cortex modulates visuo-spatial attention and posterior evoked EEG activity. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:1047-1061. [PMID: 37353071 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Covert visuo-spatial attention is marked by the anticipatory lateralization of neuronal alpha activity in the posterior parietal cortex. Previous applications of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at the alpha frequency, however, were inconclusive regarding the causal contribution of oscillatory activity during visuo-spatial attention. OBJECTIVE Attentional shifts of behavior and electroencephalography (EEG) after-effects were assessed in a cued visuo-spatial attention paradigm. We hypothesized that parietal alpha-tACS shifts attention relative to the ipsilateral visual hemifield. Furthermore, we assumed that modulations of behavior and neurophysiology are related to individual electric field simulations. METHODS We applied personalized tACS at alpha and gamma frequencies to elucidate the role of oscillatory neuronal activity for visuo-spatial attention. Personalized tACS montages were algorithmically optimized to target individual left and right parietal regions that were defined by an EEG localizer. RESULTS Behavioral performance in the left hemifield was specifically increased by alpha-tACS compared to gamma-tACS targeting the left parietal cortex. This hemisphere-specific effect was observed despite the symmetry of simulated electric fields. In addition, visual event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes showed a reduced lateralization over posterior sites induced by left alpha-tACS. Neuronal sources of this effect were localized in the left premotor cortex. Interestingly, accuracy modulations induced by left parietal alpha-tACS were directly related to electric field magnitudes in the left premotor cortex. CONCLUSION Overall, results corroborate the notion that alpha lateralization plays a causal role in covert visuo-spatial attention and indicate an increased susceptibility of parietal and premotor brain regions of the left dorsal attention network to subtle tACS-neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Ole Radecke
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Marina Fiene
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Misselhorn
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph S Herrmann
- Experimental Psychology Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany; Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all", Germany
| | - Andreas K Engel
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Carsten H Wolters
- Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany; Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Till R Schneider
- Department of Neurophysiology and Pathophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Benussi A, Batsikadze G, França C, Cury RG, Maas RPPWM. The Therapeutic Potential of Non-Invasive and Invasive Cerebellar Stimulation Techniques in Hereditary Ataxias. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081193. [PMID: 37190102 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The degenerative ataxias comprise a heterogeneous group of inherited and acquired disorders that are characterized by a progressive cerebellar syndrome, frequently in combination with one or more extracerebellar signs. Specific disease-modifying interventions are currently not available for many of these rare conditions, which underscores the necessity of finding effective symptomatic therapies. During the past five to ten years, an increasing number of randomized controlled trials have been conducted examining the potential of different non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to induce symptomatic improvement. In addition, a few smaller studies have explored deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the dentate nucleus as an invasive means to directly modulate cerebellar output, thereby aiming to alleviate ataxia severity. In this paper, we comprehensively review the clinical and neurophysiological effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and dentate nucleus DBS in patients with hereditary ataxias, as well as the presumed underlying mechanisms at the cellular and network level and perspectives for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giorgi Batsikadze
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Carina França
- Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Rubens G Cury
- Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Roderick P P W M Maas
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Hunold A, Haueisen J, Nees F, Moliadze V. Review of individualized current flow modeling studies for transcranial electrical stimulation. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:405-423. [PMID: 36537991 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is substantial intersubject variability of behavioral and neurophysiological responses to transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), which represents one of the most important limitations of tES. Many tES protocols utilize a fixed experimental parameter set disregarding individual anatomical and physiological properties. This one-size-fits-all approach might be one reason for the observed interindividual response variability. Simulation of current flow applying head models based on available anatomical data can help to individualize stimulation parameters and contribute to the understanding of the causes of this response variability. Current flow modeling can be used to retrospectively investigate the characteristics of tES effectivity. Previous studies examined, for example, the impact of skull defects and lesions on the modulation of current flow and demonstrated effective stimulation intensities in different age groups. Furthermore, uncertainty analysis of electrical conductivities in current flow modeling indicated the most influential tissue compartments. Current flow modeling, when used in prospective study planning, can potentially guide stimulation configurations resulting in individually effective tES. Specifically, current flow modeling using individual or matched head models can be employed by clinicians and scientists to, for example, plan dosage in tES protocols for individuals or groups of participants. We review studies that show a relationship between the presence of behavioral/neurophysiological responses and features derived from individualized current flow models. We highlight the potential benefits of individualized current flow modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hunold
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, TU Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Jens Haueisen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, TU Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Vera Moliadze
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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Menze I, Mueller NG, Zaehle T, Schmicker M. Individual response to transcranial direct current stimulation as a function of working memory capacity and electrode montage. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1134632. [PMID: 36968784 PMCID: PMC10034341 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1134632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionAttempts to improve cognitive abilities via transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have led to ambiguous results, likely due to the method’s susceptibility to methodological and inter-individual factors. Conventional tDCS, i.e., using an active electrode over brain areas associated with the targeted cognitive function and a supposedly passive reference, neglects stimulation effects on entire neural networks.MethodsWe investigated the advantage of frontoparietal network stimulation (right prefrontal anode, left posterior parietal cathode) against conventional and sham tDCS in modulating working memory (WM) capacity dependent transfer effects of a single-session distractor inhibition (DIIN) training. Since previous results did not clarify whether electrode montage drives this individual transfer, we here compared conventional to frontoparietal and sham tDCS and reanalyzed data of 124 young, healthy participants in a more robust way using linear mixed effect modeling.ResultsThe interaction of electrode montage and WM capacity resulted in systematic differences in transfer effects. While higher performance gains were observed with increasing WM capacity in the frontoparietal stimulation group, low WM capacity individuals benefited more in the sham condition. The conventional stimulation group showed subtle performance gains independent of WM capacity.DiscussionOur results confirm our previous findings of WM capacity dependent transfer effects on WM by a single-session DIIN training combined with tDCS and additionally highlight the pivotal role of the specific electrode montage. WM capacity dependent differences in frontoparietal network recruitment, especially regarding the parietal involvement, are assumed to underlie this observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Menze
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Inga Menze,
| | - Notger G. Mueller
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group Degenerative and Chronic Diseases, Movement, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tino Zaehle
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marlen Schmicker
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
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Dawood Rahimi M, Taghi Kheirkhah M, Salehi Fadardi J. Efficacy of tDCS in chronic migraine: A multiprotocol randomized controlled trial. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 150:119-130. [PMID: 37060843 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given the prevalence and complicated pathophysiology of migraine, unknown or varied mechanisms of action of available monotherapies or add-on therapies, and their broad range of adverse effects, it is imperative to manage migraine symptoms using a non-invasive, multifunctional, and alternate monotherapy with no negative impacts. METHODS We used a single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled design with baseline, post-test, and 24-weeks follow-up measurements to assess the efficacy of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in chronic migraine. A total of 150 participants were randomly assigned to the five groups (i.e., allocation ratio of 1:1:1:1:1). Each group received tDCS-intervention for 11 consecutive-weeks (25 sessions; each session = two consecutive montages; each montage = a 20 min duration, 2000 μA intensity). RESULTS The multivariate analysis of variance showed significant (p <.05) reductions in chronic migraine symptoms in the four intervention groups. Compared with the sham (η2 < 0.18) and other protocols (two = η2 > 0.42; three = η2 > 0.40; four = η2 > 0.51), protocol one [l. anode at the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortices, cathode at the left dorsomedial and superior frontal gyrus-first montage; anode at the right primary motor area, cathode at the medial crosstalk of hemispheres-second montage] showed a larger effect size (η2 > 0.59) in the present trial. CONCLUSIONS With the applied protocols of the present trial, tDCS can be used as an effective intervention for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of chronic migraine. However, while the second protocol was the least effective, the first was the most effective at reducing migraine symptoms. SIGNIFICANCE To our knowledge, the present trial is the first study to cover the gaps of the earlier ones, including the parameters like the site of stimulation, electrode range distribution and field intensity, number of sessions, session design, and sample size.
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Van Hoornweder S, Nuyts M, Frieske J, Verstraelen S, Meesen RLJ, Caulfield KA. A Systematic Review and Large-Scale tES and TMS Electric Field Modeling Study Reveals How Outcome Measure Selection Alters Results in a Person- and Montage-Specific Manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.22.529540. [PMID: 36865243 PMCID: PMC9980068 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.22.529540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Electric field (E-field) modeling is a potent tool to examine the cortical effects of transcranial magnetic and electrical stimulation (TMS and tES, respectively) and to address the high variability in efficacy observed in the literature. However, outcome measures used to report E-field magnitude vary considerably and have not yet been compared in detail. Objectives The goal of this two-part study, encompassing a systematic review and modeling experiment, was to provide an overview of the different outcome measures used to report the magnitude of tES and TMS E-fields, and to conduct a direct comparison of these measures across different stimulation montages. Methods Three electronic databases were searched for tES and/or TMS studies reporting E-field magnitude. We extracted and discussed outcome measures in studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Additionally, outcome measures were compared via models of four common tES and two TMS modalities in 100 healthy younger adults. Results In the systematic review, we included 118 studies using 151 outcome measures related to E-field magnitude. Structural and spherical regions of interest (ROI) analyses and percentile-based whole-brain analyses were used most often. In the modeling analyses, we found that there was an average of only 6% overlap between ROI and percentile-based whole-brain analyses in the investigated volumes within the same person. The overlap between ROI and whole-brain percentiles was montage- and person-specific, with more focal montages such as 4Ã-1 and APPS-tES, and figure-of-eight TMS showing up to 73%, 60%, and 52% overlap between ROI and percentile approaches respectively. However, even in these cases, 27% or more of the analyzed volume still differed between outcome measures in every analyses. Conclusions The choice of outcome measures meaningfully alters the interpretation of tES and TMS E-field models. Well-considered outcome measure selection is imperative for accurate interpretation of results, valid between-study comparisons, and depends on stimulation focality and study goals. We formulated four recommendations to increase the quality and rigor of E-field modeling outcome measures. With these data and recommendations, we hope to guide future studies towards informed outcome measure selection, and improve the comparability of studies.
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De Wandel L, De Smet S, Pulopulos MM, Lemmens GMD, Hidalgo V, Salvador A, Vanderhasselt MA, Pruessner J, Baeken C. The effects of left dorsolateral prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation on episodic future thinking following acute psychosocial stress. Memory 2023; 31:380-392. [PMID: 36724995 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2022.2162083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research on stress-related disorders and brain imaging suggests that (acute) stress might impact the capacity to mentally simulate specific episodic future events (EFT) through the effects of cortisol on brain regions supporting this cognitive function, such as the prefrontal cortices. This study aims to examine the mechanisms underlying this link, using transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. METHODS 60 healthy participants were subjected to the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST), followed by either active or sham tDCS. After stimulation, the EFT task was administered. Salivary cortisol was measured throughout the protocol. RESULTS Higher cortisol AUCi values were linked to less specific episodic future thoughts. Moreover, active tDCS enhanced EFT specificity irrespective of cortisol, especially in high trait ruminators. We did not observe an effect from active tDCS on cortisol AUCi, and equally there was no interaction effect between cortisol AUCi and stimulation condition predictive for EFT specificity. CONCLUSION Although we did not find evidence for the effects of tDCS on the HPA-system, our data reveal a crucial link between two critical predictors of mental health for the first time, and provide a solution to help rehabilitate EFT deficits.Trial registration: Netherlands National Trial Register identifier: ntr004..
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Affiliation(s)
- Linde De Wandel
- Department of Head and Skin - Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefanie De Smet
- Department of Head and Skin - Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Matias M Pulopulos
- Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Gilbert M D Lemmens
- Department of Head and Skin - Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Psychiatry, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vanesa Hidalgo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt
- Department of Head and Skin - Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jens Pruessner
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Chris Baeken
- Department of Head and Skin - Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Ghasemian-Shirvan E, Ungureanu R, Melo L, van Dun K, Kuo MF, Nitsche MA, Meesen RLJ. Optimizing the Effect of tDCS on Motor Sequence Learning in the Elderly. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13010137. [PMID: 36672118 PMCID: PMC9857096 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most visible effects of aging, even in healthy, normal aging, is a decline in motor performance. The range of strategies applicable to counteract this deterioration has increased. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can promote neuroplasticity, has recently gained attention. However, knowledge about optimized tDCS parameters in the elderly is limited. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of different anodal tDCS intensities on motor sequence learning in the elderly. Over the course of four sessions, 25 healthy older adults (over 65 years old) completed the Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT) while receiving 1, 2, or 3 mA of anodal or sham stimulation over the primary motor cortex (M1). Additionally, 24 h after stimulation, motor memory consolidation was assessed. The results confirmed that motor sequence learning in all tDCS conditions was maintained the following day. While increased anodal stimulation intensity over M1 showed longer lasting excitability enhancement in the elderly in a prior study, the combination of higher intensity stimulation with an implicit motor learning task showed no significant effect. Future research should focus on the reason behind this lack of effect and probe alternative stimulation protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensiyeh Ghasemian-Shirvan
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
- Neuroplasticity and Movement Control Research Group, REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, REVAL, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ruxandra Ungureanu
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Lorena Melo
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Kim van Dun
- Neuroplasticity and Movement Control Research Group, REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, REVAL, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Min-Fang Kuo
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael A. Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Hospital OWL, Bielefeld University, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Raf L. J. Meesen
- Neuroplasticity and Movement Control Research Group, REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, REVAL, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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Garg S, Williams S, Jung J, Pobric G, Nandi T, Lim B, Vassallo G, Green J, Evans DG, Stagg CJ, Parkes LM, Stivaros S. Non-invasive brain stimulation modulates GABAergic activity in neurofibromatosis 1. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18297. [PMID: 36316421 PMCID: PMC9622815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21907-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a single-gene disorder associated with cognitive phenotypes common to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism. GABAergic dysregulation underlies working memory impairments seen in NF1. This mechanistic experimental study investigates whether application of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) can modulate GABA and working memory in NF1. Thirty-one NF1 adolescents 11-18 years, were recruited to this single-blind sham-controlled cross-over randomized trial. AtDCS or sham stimulation was applied to the left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) and MR Spectroscopy was collected before and after intervention in the left DLPFC and occipital cortex. Task-related functional MRI was collected before, during, and after stimulation. Higher baseline GABA+ in the left DLPFC was associated with faster response times on baseline working memory measures. AtDCS was seen to significantly reduced GABA+ and increase brain activation in the left DLPFC as compared to sham stimulation. Task performance was worse in the aTDCS group during stimulation but no group differences in behavioural outcomes were observed at the end of stimulation. Although our study suggests aTDCS modulates inhibitory activity in the DLPFC, further work is needed to determine whether repeated sessions of atDCS and strategies such as alternating current stimulation offer a better therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Garg
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Steve Williams
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - JeYoung Jung
- School of Psychology, Precision Imaging Beacon, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Gorana Pobric
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Tulika Nandi
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ben Lim
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Grace Vassallo
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - D Gareth Evans
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte J Stagg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura M Parkes
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Stavros Stivaros
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Academic Unit of Paediatric Radiology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Evans C, Zich C, Lee JSA, Ward N, Bestmann S. Inter-individual variability in current direction for common tDCS montages. Neuroimage 2022; 260:119501. [PMID: 35878726 PMCID: PMC10510029 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The direction of applied electric current relative to the cortical surface is a key determinant of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effects. Inter-individual differences in anatomy affect the consistency of current direction at a cortical target. However, the degree of this variability remains undetermined. Using current flow modelling (CFM), we quantified the inter-individual variability in tDCS current direction at a cortical target (left primary motor cortex, M1). Three montages targeting M1 using circular electrodes were compared: PA-tDCS directed current perpendicular to the central sulcus in a posterior-anterior direction relative to M1, ML-tDCS directed current parallel to the central sulcus in a medio-lateral direction, and conventional-tDCS applied electrodes over M1 and the contralateral forehead. In 50 healthy brain scans from the Human Connectome Project, we extracted current direction and intensity from the grey matter surface in the sulcal bank (M1BANK) and gyral crown (M1CROWN), and neighbouring primary somatosensory cortex (S1BANK and S1CROWN). Results confirmed substantial inter-individual variability in current direction (50%-150%) across all montages. Radial inward current produced by PA-tDCS was predominantly located in M1BANK, whereas for conventional-tDCS it was clustered in M1CROWN. The difference in radial inward current in functionally distinct subregions of M1 raises the testable hypothesis that PA-tDCS and conventional-tDCS modulate cortical excitability through different mechanisms. We show that electrode locations can be used to closely approximate current direction in M1 and precentral gyrus, providing a landmark-based method for tDCS application to address the hypothesis without the need for MRI. By contrast, ML-tDCS current was more tangentially orientated, which is associated with weaker somatic polarisation. Substantial inter-individual variability in current direction likely contributes to variable neuromodulation effects reported for these protocols, emphasising the need for individualised electrode montages, including the control of current direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carys Evans
- Department for Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, 33 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom.
| | - Catharina Zich
- Department for Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, 33 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom; Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny S A Lee
- Department for Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, 33 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Ward
- Department for Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, 33 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
| | - Sven Bestmann
- Department for Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, 33 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, United Kingdom
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No robust online effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on corticospinal excitability. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:1254-1268. [PMID: 36084908 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used for over twenty years to modulate cortical (particularly motor corticospinal) excitability both during (online) and outlasting (offline) the stimulation, with the former effects associated to the latter. However, tDCS effects are highly variable, partially because stimulation intensity is commonly not adjusted individually (in contrast to transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS). In Experiment 1, we therefore explored an empirical approach of personalizing tDCS intensity for the primary motor cortex (M1) based on dose-response curves (DRCs), individually relating tDCS Intensity (in steps from 0.3 to 2.0 mA) and Polarity (anodal, cathodal) to the online modulation of concurrent TMS motor evoked potentials (MEP), assessing DRC reliability across two separate days. No robust DRCs could be observed, neither at the individual nor at the group level, with the only robust effect being a (paradoxical) MEP facilitation during cathodal tDCS at 2.0 mA, but no modulation at traditional intensities of or near 1 mA. In Experiment 2, we therefore attempted to replicate the classical bidirectional online MEP modulation during 1 mA tDCS that had been reported by several of the early seminal tDCS papers. We either closely recreated stimulation parameters and temporal protocol of these original studies (Experiment 2A) or slightly modernized them according to current standards (Experiment 2B). In neither experiment did we observed any significant online MEP modulation. We conclude that an empirical titration of individually effective tDCS intensities may not be feasible as online tDCS effects do not appear to be sufficiently robust.
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Corominas-Teruel X, Mozo RMSS, Simó MF, Colomina Fosch MT, Valero-Cabré A. Transcranial direct current stimulation for gait recovery following stroke: A systematic review of current literature and beyond. Front Neurol 2022; 13:953939. [PMID: 36158971 PMCID: PMC9490093 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.953939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last decade, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has set promise contributing to post-stroke gait rehabilitation. Even so, results are still inconsistent due to low sample size, heterogeneity of samples, and tDCS design differences preventing comparability. Nonetheless, updated knowledge in post-stroke neurophysiology and stimulation technologies opens up opportunities to massively improve treatments. Objective The current systematic review aims to summarize the current state-of-the-art on the effects of tDCS applied to stroke subjects for gait rehabilitation, discuss tDCS strategies factoring individual subject profiles, and highlight new promising strategies. Methods MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CENTRAL, and CINAHL were searched for stroke randomized clinical trials using tDCS for the recovery of gait before 7 February 2022. In order to provide statistical support to the current review, we analyzed the achieved effect sizes and performed statistical comparisons. Results A total of 24 records were finally included in our review, totaling n = 651 subjects. Detailed analyses revealed n = 4 (17%) studies with large effect sizes (≥0.8), n = 6 (25%) studies with medium ones (≥0.5), and n = 6 (25%) studies yielding low effects sizes (≤ 0.2). Statistically significant negative correlations (rho = −0.65, p = 0.04) and differences (p = 0.03) argued in favor of tDCS interventions in the sub-acute phase. Finally, significant differences (p = 0.03) were argued in favor of a bifocal stimulation montage (anodal M1 ipsilesional and cathodal M1 contralesional) with respect to anodal ipsilesional M1. Conclusion Our systematic review highlights the potential of tDCS to contribute to gait recovery following stroke, although also the urgent need to improve current stimulation strategies and subject-customized interventions considering stroke severity, type or time-course, and the use of network-based multifocal stimulation approaches guided by computational biophysical modeling. Systematic review registration PROSPERO: CRD42021256347.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Corominas-Teruel
- Department of Psychology, Neurobehavior and Health Research Group (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Cerebral Dynamics, Plasticity and Rehabilitation Group, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris, France
| | | | - Montserrat Fibla Simó
- Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Colomina Fosch
- Department of Psychology, Neurobehavior and Health Research Group (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Antoni Valero-Cabré
| | - Antoni Valero-Cabré
- Cerebral Dynamics, Plasticity and Rehabilitation Group, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris, France
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Information Tech. Research Program, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Laboratory of Cerebral Dynamics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Maria Teresa Colomina Fosch
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Nandi T, Puonti O, Clarke WT, Nettekoven C, Barron HC, Kolasinski J, Hanayik T, Hinson EL, Berrington A, Bachtiar V, Johnstone A, Winkler AM, Thielscher A, Johansen-Berg H, Stagg CJ. tDCS induced GABA change is associated with the simulated electric field in M1, an effect mediated by grey matter volume in the MRS voxel. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:1153-1162. [PMID: 35988862 PMCID: PMC7613675 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has wide ranging applications in neuro-behavioural and physiological research, and in neurological rehabilitation. However, it is currently limited by substantial inter-subject variability in responses, which may be explained, at least in part, by anatomical differences that lead to variability in the electric field (E-field) induced in the cortex. Here, we tested whether the variability in the E-field in the stimulated cortex during anodal tDCS, estimated using computational simulations, explains the variability in tDCS induced changes in GABA, a neurophysiological marker of stimulation effect. METHODS Data from five previously conducted MRS studies were combined. The anode was placed over the left primary motor cortex (M1, 3 studies, N = 24) or right temporal cortex (2 studies, N = 32), with the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital ridge. Single voxel spectroscopy was performed in a 2x2x2cm voxel under the anode in all cases. MRS data were acquired before and either during or after 1 mA tDCS using either a sLASER sequence (7T) or a MEGA-PRESS sequence (3T). sLASER MRS data were analysed using LCModel, and MEGA-PRESS using FID-A and Gannet. E-fields were simulated in a finite element model of the head, based on individual structural MR images, using SimNIBS. Separate linear mixed effects models were run for each E-field variable (mean and 95th percentile; magnitude, and components normal and tangential to grey matter surface, within the MRS voxel). The model included effects of time (pre or post tDCS), E-field, grey matter volume in the MRS voxel, and a 3-way interaction between time, E-field and grey matter volume. Additionally, we ran a permutation analysis using PALM to determine whether E-field anywhere in the brain, not just in the MRS voxel, correlated with GABA change. RESULTS In M1, higher mean E-field magnitude was associated with greater anodal tDCS-induced decreases in GABA (t(24) = 3.24, p = 0.003). Further, the association between mean E-field magnitude and GABA change was moderated by the grey matter volume in the MRS voxel (t(24) = -3.55, p = 0.002). These relationships were consistent across all E-field variables except the mean of the normal component. No significant relationship was found between tDCS-induced GABA decrease and E-field in the temporal voxel. No significant clusters were found in the whole brain analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the electric field induced by tDCS within the brain is variable, and is significantly related to anodal tDCS-induced decrease in GABA, a key neurophysiological marker of stimulation. These findings strongly support individualised dosing of tDCS, at least in M1. Further studies examining E-fields in relation to other outcome measures, including behaviour, will help determine the optimal E-fields required for any desired effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulika Nandi
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK; NeuroImaging Center (NIC), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Germany.
| | - Oula Puonti
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - William T Clarke
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Caroline Nettekoven
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Helen C Barron
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK; Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Taylor Hanayik
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Emily L Hinson
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Adam Berrington
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Velicia Bachtiar
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Anderson M Winkler
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States
| | - Axel Thielscher
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Heidi Johansen-Berg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Charlotte J Stagg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK; Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
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Using noise for the better: The effects of transcranial random noise stimulation on the brain and behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104702. [PMID: 35595071 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Van der Groen, O., Potok, W., Wenderoth, N., Edwards, G., Mattingley, J.B. and Edwards, D. Using noise for the better: The effects of transcranial random noise stimulation on the brain and behavior. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV X (X) XXX-XXX 2021.- Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) is a non-invasive electrical brain stimulation method that is increasingly employed in studies of human brain function and behavior, in health and disease. tRNS is effective in modulating perception acutely and can improve learning. By contrast, its effectiveness for modulating higher cognitive processes is variable. Prolonged stimulation with tRNS, either as one longer application, or multiple shorter applications, may engage plasticity mechanisms that can result in long-term benefits. Here we provide an overview of the current understanding of the effects of tRNS on the brain and behavior and provide some specific recommendations for future research.
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Kalloch B, Weise K, Lampe L, Bazin PL, Villringer A, Hlawitschka M, Sehm B. The influence of white matter lesions on the electric field in transcranial electric stimulation. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 35:103071. [PMID: 35671557 PMCID: PMC9168230 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sensitivity analysis allows the simulation of tDCS with uncertain conductivities. White matter lesions (WML) have no global influence on the electric field in tDCS. In subjects with a high lesion load, a local influence can be observed. In low to medium lesion load subjects, explicit modeling of WML is not required.
Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising tool to enhance therapeutic efforts, for instance, after a stroke. The achieved stimulation effects exhibit high inter-subject variability, primarily driven by perturbations of the induced electric field (EF). Differences are further elevated in the aging brain due to anatomical changes such as atrophy or lesions. Informing tDCS protocols by computer-based, individualized EF simulations is a suggested measure to mitigate this variability. Objective While brain anatomy in general and specifically atrophy as well as stroke lesions are deemed influential on the EF in simulation studies, the influence of the uncertainty in the change of the electrical properties of the white matter due to white matter lesions (WMLs) has not been quantified yet. Methods A group simulation study with 88 subjects assigned into four groups of increasing lesion load was conducted. Due to the lack of information about the electrical conductivity of WMLs, an uncertainty analysis was employed to quantify the variability in the simulation when choosing an arbitrary conductivity value for the lesioned tissue. Results The contribution of WMLs to the EF variance was on average only one tenth to one thousandth of the contribution of the other modeled tissues. While the contribution of the WMLs significantly increased (p≪.01) in subjects exhibiting a high lesion load compared to low lesion load subjects, typically by a factor of 10 and above, the total variance of the EF didnot change with the lesion load. Conclusion Our results suggest that WMLs do not perturb the EF globally and can thus be omitted when modeling subjects with low to medium lesion load. However, for high lesion load subjects, the omission of WMLs may yield less robust local EF estimations in the vicinity of the lesioned tissue. Our results contribute to the efforts of accurate modeling of tDCS for treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Kalloch
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Leipzig, Germany; Leipzig University of Applied Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Media, Leipzig, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Methods and Development Group "Brain Networks", Leipzig, Germany; Technische Universität Ilmenau, Instiute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Ilmenau, Germany.
| | - Konstantin Weise
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Methods and Development Group "Brain Networks", Leipzig, Germany; Technische Universität Ilmenau, Advanced Electromagnetics Group, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Leonie Lampe
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Pierre-Louis Bazin
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Leipzig, Germany; University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arno Villringer
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mario Hlawitschka
- Leipzig University of Applied Science, Faculty of Computer Science and Media, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bernhard Sehm
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Neurology, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Neurology, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
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Beumer S, Boon P, Klooster DCW, van Ee R, Carrette E, Paulides MM, Mestrom RMC. Personalized tDCS for Focal Epilepsy—A Narrative Review: A Data-Driven Workflow Based on Imaging and EEG Data. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050610. [PMID: 35624997 PMCID: PMC9139054 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional transcranial electric stimulation(tES) using standard anatomical positions for the electrodes and standard stimulation currents is frequently not sufficiently selective in targeting and reaching specific brain locations, leading to suboptimal application of electric fields. Recent advancements in in vivo electric field characterization may enable clinical researchers to derive better relationships between the electric field strength and the clinical results. Subject-specific electric field simulations could lead to improved electrode placement and more efficient treatments. Through this narrative review, we present a processing workflow to personalize tES for focal epilepsy, for which there is a clear cortical target to stimulate. The workflow utilizes clinical imaging and electroencephalography data and enables us to relate the simulated fields to clinical outcomes. We review and analyze the relevant literature for the processing steps in the workflow, which are the following: tissue segmentation, source localization, and stimulation optimization. In addition, we identify shortcomings and ongoing trends with regard to, for example, segmentation quality and tissue conductivity measurements. The presented processing steps result in personalized tES based on metrics like focality and field strength, which allow for correlation with clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Beumer
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Technology Eindhoven, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (D.C.W.K.); (E.C.); (M.M.P.); (R.M.C.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Paul Boon
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Technology Eindhoven, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (D.C.W.K.); (E.C.); (M.M.P.); (R.M.C.M.)
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Debby C. W. Klooster
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Technology Eindhoven, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (D.C.W.K.); (E.C.); (M.M.P.); (R.M.C.M.)
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Raymond van Ee
- Philips Research Eindhoven, High Tech Campus 34, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Evelien Carrette
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Technology Eindhoven, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (D.C.W.K.); (E.C.); (M.M.P.); (R.M.C.M.)
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maarten M. Paulides
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Technology Eindhoven, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (D.C.W.K.); (E.C.); (M.M.P.); (R.M.C.M.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob M. C. Mestrom
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Technology Eindhoven, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands; (P.B.); (D.C.W.K.); (E.C.); (M.M.P.); (R.M.C.M.)
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Guan M, Wang Z, Shi Y, Xie Y, Ma Z, Liu Z, Liu J, Gao X, Tan Q, Wang H. Altered Brain Function and Causal Connectivity Induced by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:855483. [PMID: 35368283 PMCID: PMC8964457 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.855483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can effectively improve depression symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD); however, its mechanism of action remains obscure. This study explored the neuralimaging mechanisms of rTMS in improving depression symptoms in patients with MDD. Methods In this study, MDD patients with first-episode, drug-naive (n = 29) and healthy controls (n = 33) were enrolled. Depression symptoms before and after rTMS treatment were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data were collected both before and after the treatment. Changes in the brain function after the treatment were compared using the following two indices: the amplitude of the low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo), which are sensitive for evaluating spontaneous neuronal activity. The brain region with synchronous changes was selected as the seed point, and the differences in the causal connectivity between the seed point and whole brain before and after rTMS treatment were investigated via Granger causality analysis (GCA). Results Before treatment, patients with MDD had significantly lower ALFF in the left superior frontal gyrus (p < 0.01), higher ALFF in the left middle frontal gyrus and left precuneus (p < 0.01), and lower ReHo in the left middle frontal and left middle occipital gyri (p < 0.01) than the values observed in healthy controls. After the rTMS treatment, the ALFF was significantly increased in the left superior frontal gyrus (p < 0.01) and decreased in the left middle frontal gyrus and left precuneus (p < 0.01). Furthermore, ReHo was significantly increased in the left middle frontal and left middle occipital gyri (p < 0.01) in patients with MDD. Before treatment, GCA using the left middle frontal gyrus (the brain region with synchronous changes) as the seed point revealed a weak bidirectional causal connectivity between the middle and superior frontal gyri as well as a weak causal connectivity from the inferior temporal to the middle frontal gyri. After treatment, these causal connectivities were strengthened. Moreover, the causal connectivity from the inferior temporal gyrus to the middle frontal gyri negatively correlated with the total HAMD-17 score (r = −0.443, p = 0.021). Conclusion rTMS treatment not only improves the local neural activity in the middle frontal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, and precuneus but also strengthens the bidirectional causal connectivity between the middle and superior frontal gyri and the causal connectivity from the inferior temporal to the middle frontal gyri. Changes in these neuroimaging indices may represent the neural mechanisms underlying rTMS treatment in MDD. Clinical Trial Registration This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR1800019761).
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzhen Guan
- Department of Mental Health, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Deptartment of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Huaning Wang,
| | - Zhongheng Wang
- Deptartment of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yanru Shi
- Deptartment of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuanjun Xie
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhujing Ma
- Deptartment of Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zirong Liu
- Deptartment of Psychiatry, Yulin Fifth Hospital, Yuling, China
| | - Junchang Liu
- Deptartment of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinyu Gao
- Deptartment of Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qingrong Tan
- Deptartment of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Huaning Wang
- Deptartment of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Muzhen Guan,
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Antonenko D, Thams F, Grittner U, Uhrich J, Glöckner F, Li S, Flöel A. Randomized trial of cognitive training and brain stimulation in non-demented older adults. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2022; 8:e12262. [PMID: 35229023 PMCID: PMC8864498 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given rapid global population aging, developing interventions against age-associated cognitive decline is an important medical and societal goal. We evaluated a cognitive training protocol combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on trained and non-trained functions in non-demented older adults. METHODS Fifty-six older adults (65-80 years) were randomly assigned to one of two interventional groups, using age and baseline performance as strata. Both groups performed a nine-session cognitive training over 3 weeks with either concurrent anodal tDCS (atDCS, 1 mA, 20 minutes) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (target intervention) or sham stimulation (control intervention). Primary outcome was performance on the trained letter updating task immediately after training. Secondary outcomes included performance on other executive and memory (near and far transfer) tasks. All tasks were administered at baseline, post-intervention, and at 1- and 7-month follow-up assessments. Prespecified analyses to investigate treatment effects were conducted using mixed-model analyses. RESULTS No between-group differences emerged in the trained letter updating and Markov decision-making tasks at post-intervention and at follow-up timepoints. Secondary analyses revealed group differences in one near-transfer task: Superior n-back task performance was observed in the tDCS group at post-intervention and at follow-up. No such effects were observed for the other transfer tasks. Improvements in working memory were associated with individually induced electric field strengths. DISCUSSION Cognitive training with atDCS did not lead to superior improvement in trained task performance compared to cognitive training with sham stimulation. Thus, our results do not support the immediate benefit of tDCS-assisted multi-session cognitive training on the trained function. As the intervention enhanced performance in a near-transfer working memory task, we provide exploratory evidence for effects on non-trained working memory functions in non-demented older adults that persist over a period of 1 month.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Antonenko
- Department of NeurologyUniversitätsmedizin GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| | - Friederike Thams
- Department of NeurologyUniversitätsmedizin GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH)BerlinGermany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlin Institute of HealthInstitute of Biometry and Clinical EpidemiologyBerlinGermany
| | - Jessica Uhrich
- Department of NeurologyUniversitätsmedizin GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| | - Franka Glöckner
- Lifespan Developmental NeuroscienceFaculty of PsychologyTU DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Shu‐Chen Li
- Lifespan Developmental NeuroscienceFaculty of PsychologyTU DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Agnes Flöel
- Department of NeurologyUniversitätsmedizin GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Standort GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
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Review of tDCS Configurations for Stimulation of the Lower-Limb Area of Motor Cortex and Cerebellum. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020248. [PMID: 35204011 PMCID: PMC8870282 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This article presents an exhaustive analysis of the works present in the literature pertaining to transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS) applications. The aim of this work is to analyze the specific characteristics of lower-limb stimulation, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of these works and framing them with the current knowledge of tDCS. The ultimate goal of this work is to propose areas of improvement to create more effective stimulation therapies with less variability.
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Key factors in the cortical response to transcranial electrical Stimulations—A multi-scale modeling study. Comput Biol Med 2022; 144:105328. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Reteig LC, Newman LA, Ridderinkhof KR, Slagter HA. Effects of tDCS on the attentional blink revisited: A statistical evaluation of a replication attempt. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262718. [PMID: 35085301 PMCID: PMC8794161 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The attentional blink (AB) phenomenon reveals a bottleneck of human information processing: the second of two targets is often missed when they are presented in rapid succession among distractors. In our previous work, we showed that the size of the AB can be changed by applying transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) (London & Slagter, Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 33, 756-68, 2021). Although AB size at the group level remained unchanged, the effects of anodal and cathodal tDCS were negatively correlated: if a given individual's AB size decreased from baseline during anodal tDCS, their AB size would increase during cathodal tDCS, and vice versa. Here, we attempted to replicate this finding. We found no group effects of tDCS, as in the original study, but we no longer found a significant negative correlation. We present a series of statistical measures of replication success, all of which confirm that both studies are not in agreement. First, the correlation here is significantly smaller than a conservative estimate of the original correlation. Second, the difference between the correlations is greater than expected due to sampling error, and our data are more consistent with a zero-effect than with the original estimate. Finally, the overall effect when combining both studies is small and not significant. Our findings thus indicate that the effects of lDPLFC-tDCS on the AB are less substantial than observed in our initial study. Although this should be quite a common scenario, null findings can be difficult to interpret and are still under-represented in the brain stimulation and cognitive neuroscience literatures. An important auxiliary goal of this paper is therefore to provide a tutorial for other researchers, to maximize the evidential value from null findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon C. Reteig
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain and Cognition, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lionel A. Newman
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - K. Richard Ridderinkhof
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Brain and Cognition, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Heleen A. Slagter
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Applied and Experimental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Suppa A, Asci F, Guerra A. Transcranial magnetic stimulation as a tool to induce and explore plasticity in humans. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 184:73-89. [PMID: 35034759 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819410-2.00005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Activity-dependent synaptic plasticity is the main theoretical framework to explain mechanisms of learning and memory. Synaptic plasticity can be explored experimentally in animals through various standardized protocols for eliciting long-term potentiation and long-term depression in hippocampal and cortical slices. In humans, several non-invasive protocols of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation have been designed and applied to probe synaptic plasticity in the primary motor cortex, as reflected by long-term changes in motor evoked potential amplitudes. These protocols mimic those normally used in animal studies for assessing long-term potentiation and long-term depression. In this chapter, we first discuss the physiologic basis of theta-burst stimulation, paired associative stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation. We describe the current biophysical and theoretical models underlying the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and metaplasticity, defined as activity-dependent changes in neural functions that modulate subsequent synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), in the human motor cortex including calcium-dependent plasticity, spike-timing-dependent plasticity, the role of N-methyl-d-aspartate-related transmission and gamma-aminobutyric-acid interneuronal activity. We also review the putative microcircuits responsible for synaptic plasticity in the human motor cortex. We critically readdress the issue of variability in studies investigating synaptic plasticity and propose available solutions. Finally, we speculate about the utility of future studies with more advanced experimental approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Suppa
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed Institute, Pozzilli (IS), Italy.
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Soleimani G, Kupliki R, Bodurka J, Paulus M, Ekhtiari H. How structural and functional MRI can inform dual-site tACS parameters: A case study in a clinical population and its pragmatic implications. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:337-351. [PMID: 35042056 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormalities in frontoparietal network (FPN) were observed in many neuropsychiatric diseases including substance use disorders. A growing number of studies are using dual-site-tACS with frontoparietal synchronization to engage this network. However, a computational pathway to inform and optimize parameter space for frontoparietal synchronization is still lacking. In this case study, in a group of participants with methamphetamine use disorders, we proposed a computational pathway to extract optimal electrode montage while accounting for stimulation intensity using structural and functional MRI. METHODS Sixty methamphetamine users completed an fMRI drug cue-reactivity task. Four main steps were taken to define electrode montage and adjust stimulation intensity using 4x1 high-definition (HD) electrodes for a dual-site-tACS; (1) Frontal seed was defined based on the maximum electric fields (EF) predicted by simulation of HD montage over DLPFC (F3/F4 in EEG 10-20), (2) frontal seed-to-whole brain context-dependent correlation was calculated to determine connected regions to frontal seeds, (3) center of connected cluster in parietal cortex was selected as a location for placing the second set of HD electrodes to shape the informed montage, (4) individualized head models were used to determine optimal stimulation intensity considering underlying brain structure. The informed montage was compared to montages with large electrodes and classic frontoparietal HD montages (F3-P3/F4-P4) in terms of tACS-induced EF and ROI-to-ROI task-based/resting-state connectivity. RESULTS Compared to the large electrodes, HD frontoparietal montages allow for a finer control of the spatial peak fields in the main nodes of the FPN at the cost of lower maximum EF (large-pad/HD: max EF[V/m] = 0.37/0.11, number of cortical sub-regions that EF exceeds 50% of the max = 77/13). For defining stimulation targets based on EF patterns, using group-level head models compared to a single standard head model results in comparable but significantly different seed locations (6.43mm Euclidean distance between the locations of the frontal maximum EF in standard-space). As expected, significant task-based/resting-state connections were only found between frontal-parietal locations in the informed montage. Cue-induced craving score was correlated with frontoparietal connectivity only in the informed montage (r = -0.24). Stimulation intensity in the informed montage, and not in the classic HD montage, needs 40% reduction in the parietal site to reduce the disparity in EF between sites. CONCLUSION This study provides some empirical insights to montage and dose selection in dual-site-tACS using individual brain structures and functions and proposes a computational pathway to use head models and functional MRI to define (1) optimum electrode montage for targeting FPN in a context of interest (drug-cue-reactivity) and (2) proper transcranial stimulation intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaleh Soleimani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rayus Kupliki
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Jerzy Bodurka
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Martin Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Hamed Ekhtiari
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States.
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Denison T, Morrell MJ. Neuromodulation in 2035: The Neurology Future Forecasting Series. Neurology 2022; 98:65-72. [PMID: 35263267 PMCID: PMC8762584 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000013061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation devices are approved in the United States for the treatment of movement disorders, epilepsy, pain, and depression, and are used off-label for other neurologic indications. By 2035, advances in our understanding of neuroanatomical networks and in the mechanism of action of stimulation, coupled with developments in material science, miniaturization, energy storage, and delivery, will expand the use of neuromodulation devices. Neuromodulation approaches are flexible and modifiable. Stimulation can be targeted to a dysfunctional brain focus, region, or network, and can be delivered as a single treatment, continuously, according to a duty cycle, or in response to physiologic changes. Programming can be titrated and modified based on the clinical response or a physiologic biomarker. In addition to keeping pace with clinical and technological developments, neurologists in 2035 will need to navigate complex ethical and economic considerations to ensure access to neuromodulation technology for a rapidly expanding population of patients. This article provides an overview of systems in use today and those that are anticipated and highlights the opportunities and challenges for the future, some of which are technical, but most of which will be addressed by learning about brain networks, and from rapidly growing experience with neuromodulation devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Denison
- From the Department of Engineering Science (T.D.), University of Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (M.J.M), Stanford University, CA; and NeuroPace (M.J.M), Mountain View, CA
| | - Martha J Morrell
- From the Department of Engineering Science (T.D.), University of Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (M.J.M), Stanford University, CA; and NeuroPace (M.J.M), Mountain View, CA.
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Molero-Chamizo A, Nitsche MA, Gutiérrez Lérida C, Salas Sánchez Á, Martín Riquel R, Andújar Barroso RT, Alameda Bailén JR, García Palomeque JC, Rivera-Urbina GN. Standard Non-Personalized Electric Field Modeling of Twenty Typical tDCS Electrode Configurations via the Computational Finite Element Method: Contributions and Limitations of Two Different Approaches. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:1230. [PMID: 34943145 PMCID: PMC8698402 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation procedure to modulate cortical excitability and related brain functions. tDCS can effectively alter multiple brain functions in healthy humans and is suggested as a therapeutic tool in several neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, variability of results is an important limitation of this method. This variability may be due to multiple factors, including age, head and brain anatomy (including skull, skin, CSF and meninges), cognitive reserve and baseline performance level, specific task demands, as well as comorbidities in clinical settings. Different electrode montages are a further source of variability between tDCS studies. A procedure to estimate the electric field generated by specific tDCS electrode configurations, which can be helpful to adapt stimulation protocols, is the computational finite element method. This approach is useful to provide a priori modeling of the current spread and electric field intensity that will be generated according to the implemented electrode montage. Here, we present standard, non-personalized model-based electric field simulations for motor, dorsolateral prefrontal, and posterior parietal cortex stimulation according to twenty typical tDCS electrode configurations using two different current flow modeling software packages. The resulting simulated maximum intensity of the electric field, focality, and current spread were similar, but not identical, between models. The advantages and limitations of both mathematical simulations of the electric field are presented and discussed systematically, including aspects that, at present, prevent more widespread application of respective simulation approaches in the field of non-invasive brain stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Molero-Chamizo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; (Á.S.S.); (R.T.A.B.); (J.R.A.B.)
| | - Michael A. Nitsche
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139 Dortmund, Germany;
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Ángeles Salas Sánchez
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; (Á.S.S.); (R.T.A.B.); (J.R.A.B.)
| | - Raquel Martín Riquel
- Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (C.G.L.); (R.M.R.)
| | - Rafael Tomás Andújar Barroso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; (Á.S.S.); (R.T.A.B.); (J.R.A.B.)
| | - José Ramón Alameda Bailén
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain; (Á.S.S.); (R.T.A.B.); (J.R.A.B.)
| | - Jesús Carlos García Palomeque
- Histology Department, School of Medicine, Cadiz University and District Jerez Costa-N., Andalusian Health Service, 11003 Cádiz, Spain;
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Multichannel anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a paediatric population. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21512. [PMID: 34728684 PMCID: PMC8563927 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00933-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methodological studies investigating transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) in paediatric populations are limited. Therefore, we investigated in a paediatric population whether stimulation success of multichannel tDCS over the lDLPFC depends on concurrent task performance and individual head anatomy. In a randomised, sham-controlled, double-blind crossover study 22 healthy participants (10–17 years) received 2 mA multichannel anodal tDCS (atDCS) over the lDLPFC with and without a 2-back working memory (WM) task. After stimulation, the 2-back task and a Flanker task were performed. Resting state and task-related EEG were recorded. In 16 participants we calculated the individual electric field (E-field) distribution. Performance and neurophysiological activity in the 2-back task were not affected by atDCS. atDCS reduced reaction times in the Flanker task, independent of whether atDCS had been combined with the 2-back task. Flanker task related beta oscillation increased following stimulation without 2-back task performance. atDCS effects were not correlated with the E-field. We found no effect of multichannel atDCS over the lDLPFC on WM in children/adolescents but a transfer effect on interference control. While this effect on behaviour was independent of concurrent task performance, neurophysiological activity might be more sensitive to cognitive activation during stimulation. However, our results are limited by the small sample size, the lack of an active control group and variations in WM performance.
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Wang H, Sun W, Zhang J, Yan Z, Wang C, Wang L, Liu T, Li C, Chen D, Shintaro F, Wu J, Yan T. Influence of layered skull modeling on the frequency sensitivity and target accuracy in simulations of transcranial current stimulation. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:5345-5356. [PMID: 34390079 PMCID: PMC8519867 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of electrical stimulation technology, especially the emergence of temporally interfering (TI) stimulation, it is necessary to discuss the influence of current frequency on stimulation intensity. Accurate skull modeling is important for transcranial current stimulation (tCS) simulation prediction because of its large role in dispersing current. In this study, we simulated different frequencies of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and TI stimulation in single-layer and layered skull model, compared the electric field via error parameters such as the relative difference measure and relative magnification factor. Pearson correlation analysis and t-test were used to measure the differences in envelope amplitude. The results showed that the intensity of electric field in the brain generated by per unit of stimulation current will increase with current frequency, and the layered skull model had a better response to frequency. An obvious pattern difference was found between the electric fields of the layered and single-layer skull individualized models. For TI stimulation, the Pearson correlation coefficient between the envelope distribution of the layered skull model and the single-layer skull was only 0.746 in the individualized model, which is clearly lower than the correlation coefficient of 0.999 determined from the spherical model. Higher carrier frequencies seemed to be easier to generate a large enough brain electric field envelope in TI stimulation. In conclusion, we recommend using layered skull models instead of single-layer skull models in tCS (particularly TI stimulation) simulation studies in order to improve the accuracy of the prediction of stimulus intensity and stimulus target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Wang
- School of Mechatronical EngineeringBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Weiqian Sun
- School of Life ScienceBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Jianxu Zhang
- School of Mechatronical EngineeringBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Zilong Yan
- School of Mechatronical EngineeringBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Chenyu Wang
- School of Mechatronical EngineeringBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Luyao Wang
- School of Mechatronical EngineeringBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Tiantian Liu
- School of Life ScienceBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Chunlin Li
- School of Biomedical EngineeringCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Duanduan Chen
- School of Life ScienceBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | | | - Jinglong Wu
- School of Mechatronical EngineeringBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
- Department of Neurology and NeuroscienceOkayama UniversityOkayamaJapan
| | - Tianyi Yan
- School of Life ScienceBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
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50
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Herrojo Ruiz M, Maudrich T, Kalloch B, Sammler D, Kenville R, Villringer A, Sehm B, Nikulin VV. Modulation of neural activity in frontopolar cortex drives reward-based motor learning. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20303. [PMID: 34645848 PMCID: PMC8514446 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98571-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The frontopolar cortex (FPC) contributes to tracking the reward of alternative choices during decision making, as well as their reliability. Whether this FPC function extends to reward gradients associated with continuous movements during motor learning remains unknown. We used anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the right FPC to investigate its role in reward-based motor learning. Nineteen healthy human participants practiced novel sequences of finger movements on a digital piano with corresponding auditory feedback. Their aim was to use trialwise reward feedback to discover a hidden performance goal along a continuous dimension: timing. We additionally modulated the contralateral motor cortex (left M1) activity, and included a control sham stimulation. Right FPC-tDCS led to faster learning compared to lM1-tDCS and sham through regulation of motor variability. Bayesian computational modelling revealed that in all stimulation protocols, an increase in the trialwise expectation of reward was followed by greater exploitation, as shown previously. Yet, this association was weaker in lM1-tDCS suggesting a less efficient learning strategy. The effects of frontopolar stimulation were dissociated from those induced by lM1-tDCS and sham, as motor exploration was more sensitive to inferred changes in the reward tendency (volatility). The findings suggest that rFPC-tDCS increases the sensitivity of motor exploration to updates in reward volatility, accelerating reward-based motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Herrojo Ruiz
- Psychology Department, Goldsmiths University of London, London, UK. .,Center for Cognition and Decision Making, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation. .,Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - T Maudrich
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - B Kalloch
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - D Sammler
- Research Group Neurocognition of Music and Language, Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - R Kenville
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - A Villringer
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - B Sehm
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany
| | - V V Nikulin
- Center for Cognition and Decision Making, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation. .,Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
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