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Criado-Marrero M, Ravi S, Bhaskar E, Barroso D, Pizzi MA, Williams L, Wellington CL, Febo M, Abisambra JF. Age dictates brain functional connectivity and axonal integrity following repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries in mice. Neuroimage 2024:120764. [PMID: 39089604 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120764] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) present a major public health challenge, demanding an in-depth understanding of age-specific symptoms and risk factors. Aging not only significantly influences brain function and plasticity but also elevates the risk of hospitalizations and death following TBIs. Repetitive mild TBIs (rmTBIs) compound these issues, resulting in cumulative and long-term brain damage in the brain. In this study, we investigate the impact of age on brain network changes and white matter properties following rmTBI employing a multi-modal approach that integrates resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI), graph theory analysis, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI). Our hypothesis is that the effects of rmTBI are worsened in aged animals, with this group showing more pronounced alterations in brain connectivity and white matter structure. Utilizing the CHIMERA model, we conducted rmTBIs or sham (control) procedures on young (2.5-3 months old) and aged (22-month-old) male and female mice to model high risk groups. Functional and structural imaging unveiled age-related reductions in communication efficiency between brain regions, while injuries induced opposing effects on the small-world index across age groups, influencing network segregation. Functional connectivity analysis also identified alterations in 79 out of 148 brain regions by age, treatment (sham vs. rmTBI), or their interaction. Injuries exerted pronounced effects on sensory integration areas, including insular and motor cortices. Age-related disruptions in white matter integrity were observed, indicating alterations in various diffusion directions (mean, radial, axial diffusivity, fractional anisotropy) and density neurite properties (dispersion index, intracellular and isotropic volume fraction). Neuroinflammation, assessed through Iba-1 and GFAP markers, correlated with higher dispersion in the optic tract, suggesting a neuroinflammatory response in injured aged animals compared to sham aged. These findings offer insight into the interplay between age, injuries, and brain connectivity, shedding light on the long-term consequences of rmTBIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marangelie Criado-Marrero
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CTRND); Department of Neuroscience; McKnight Brain Institute.
| | - Sakthivel Ravi
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CTRND); Department of Neuroscience; McKnight Brain Institute.
| | - Ekta Bhaskar
- Department of Neuroscience; Department of Computer of Information Science and Engineering (CISE).
| | - Daylin Barroso
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CTRND); Department of Neuroscience; McKnight Brain Institute.
| | - Michael A Pizzi
- Department of Neuroscience; McKnight Brain Institute; Department of Neurology; Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Neuroresilience (BRAIN) Center University of Florida.
| | - Lakiesha Williams
- J.Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Cheryl L Wellington
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Marcelo Febo
- McKnight Brain Institute; Department of Psychiatry; Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases.
| | - Jose Francisco Abisambra
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CTRND); Department of Neuroscience; McKnight Brain Institute; Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases; Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Neuroresilience (BRAIN) Center University of Florida.
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Van Hoornweder S, Geraerts M, Verstraelen S, Nuyts M, Caulfield KA, Meesen R. Differences in scalp-to-cortex tissues across age groups, sexes and brain regions: Implications for neuroimaging and brain stimulation techniques. Neurobiol Aging 2024; 138:45-62. [PMID: 38531217 PMCID: PMC11141186 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2024.02.011] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Aging affects the scalp-to-cortex distance (SCD) and the comprising tissues. This is crucial for noninvasive neuroimaging and brain stimulation modalities as they rely on traversing from the scalp to the cortex or vice versa. The specific relationship between aging and these tissues has not been comprehensively investigated. We conducted a study on 250 younger and older adults to examine age-related differences in SCD and its constituent tissues. We identified region-specific differences in tissue thicknesses related to age and sex. Older adults exhibit larger SCD in the frontocentral regions compared to younger adults. Men exhibit greater SCD in the inferior scalp regions, while women show similar-to-greater SCD values in regions closer to the vertex compared to men. Younger adults and men have thicker soft tissue layers, whereas women and older adults exhibit thicker compact bone layers. CSF is considerably thicker in older adults, particularly in men. These findings emphasize the need to consider age, sex, and regional differences when interpreting SCD and its implications for noninvasive neuroimaging and brain stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybren Van Hoornweder
- REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Marc Geraerts
- REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Verstraelen
- 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
| | - Kevin A Caulfield
- Brain Stimulation Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Raf 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
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Grech M, Withiel T, Klaic M, Fisher CA, Simpson L, Wong D. Characterisation of young stroke presentations, pathways of care, and support for 'invisible' difficulties: a retrospective clinical audit study. BRAIN IMPAIR 2024; 25:IB23059. [PMID: 38941488 DOI: 10.1071/ib23059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Background Young stroke survivors are likely to be discharged home from acute hospital care without rehabilitation more quickly than older survivors, but it is not clear why. File-audit studies capturing real-world clinical practice are lacking for this cohort. We aimed to compare characteristics and care pathways of young and older survivors and describe stroke presentations and predictors of pathways of care in young survivors (≤45years), including a focus on care received for 'invisible' (cognitive, psychological) difficulties. Methods A retrospective audit of 847 medical records (67 young stroke survivors, mean age=36years; 780 older patients, mean age=70years) was completed for stroke survivors admitted to an Australian tertiary hospital. Stroke characteristics and presence of cognitive difficulties (identified through clinician opinion or cognitive screening) were used to predict length of stay and discharge destination in young stroke survivors. Results There were no differences in length of stay between young and older survivors, however, young stroke survivors were more likely to be discharged home without rehabilitation (though this may be due to milder strokes observed in young stroke survivors). For young stroke survivors, stroke severity and age predicted discharge destination, while cognitive difficulties predicted longer length of stay. While almost all young survivors were offered occupational therapy and physiotherapy, none received psychological input (clinical, health or neuropsychology). Conclusions Cognitive and psychological needs of young stroke survivors may remain largely unmet by a service model designed for older people. Findings can inform service development or models of care, such as the new Australian Young Stroke Service designed to better meet the needs of young survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Grech
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Toni Withiel
- Allied Health Department, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Vic, Australia
| | - Marlena Klaic
- Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Caroline A Fisher
- Allied Health Department, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Vic, Australia
| | - Leonie Simpson
- Allied Health Department, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Vic, Australia
| | - Dana Wong
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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Shah M, Suresh S, Paddick J, Mellow ML, Rees A, Berryman C, Stanton TR, Smith AE. Age-related changes in responsiveness to non-invasive brain stimulation neuroplasticity paradigms: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 162:53-67. [PMID: 38579515 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.03.002] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to summarise and critically appraise the available evidence for the effect of age on responsiveness to non-invasive brain stimulation (NBS) paradigms delivered to the primary motor cortex. METHODS Four databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Scopus) were searched from inception to February 7, 2023. Studies investigating age group comparisons and associations between age and neuroplasticity induction from NBS paradigms were included. Only studies delivering neuroplasticity paradigms to the primary motor cortex and responses measured via motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in healthy adults were considered. RESULTS 39 studies, encompassing 40 experiments and eight NBS paradigms were included: paired associative stimulation (PAS; n = 12), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS; n = 2), intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS; n = 8), continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS; n = 7), transcranial direct and alternating current stimulation ((tDCS; n = 7; tACS; n = 2)), quadripulse stimulation (QPS; n = 1) and i-wave periodic transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTMS; n = 1). Pooled findings from PAS paradigms suggested older adults have reduced post-paradigm responses, although there was considerable heterogeneity. Mixed results were observed across all other NBS paradigms and post-paradigm timepoints. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Whilst age-dependent reduction in corticospinal excitability is possible, there is extensive inter- and intra-individual variability both within and between studies, making it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from pooled analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Shah
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) Research Centre, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Suraj Suresh
- Brain Stimulation, Imaging and Cognition Laboratory, The University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Johanna Paddick
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) Research Centre, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; Persistent Pain Research Group, Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)
| | - Maddison L Mellow
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) Research Centre, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Amy Rees
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Biomedicine. The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Carolyn Berryman
- Brain Stimulation, Imaging and Cognition Laboratory, The University of Adelaide, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide 5000, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Tce, Adelaide 5000, Australia; IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Tasha R Stanton
- Persistent Pain Research Group, Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI); IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Ashleigh E Smith
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) Research Centre, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
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Klamruen P, Suttiwong J, Aneksan B, Muangngoen M, Denduang C, Klomjai W. Effects of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation With Overground Gait Training on Lower Limb Performance in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 105:857-867. [PMID: 37926224 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with overground gait training on gait performance, dynamic balance, sit-to-stand performance, and quality of life in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries (iSCI). DESIGN Double-blind sham-controlled trial with a matched-pair design. SETTING Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute, Thailand. PARTICIPANTS Individuals with iSCI (n=34) were allocated to the anodal or sham groups. INTERVENTION Anodal tDCS was administered over the M1 lower-limb motor area at an intensity of 2 mA for 20 min in the anodal group, while the sham group received a 30-s stimulation. Both groups received 40 min of overground gait training after tDCS for 5 consecutive daily sessions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The 10-meter walk test (10MWT) was the primary outcome, while spatiotemporal gait parameters, the timed Up and Go test, Five-Time Sit-to-Stand Test, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF were secondary outcomes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 1-month (1M) and 2-month (2M) follow-ups. RESULT Improvements in walking speed measured using the 10MWT were observed in both groups. However, the anodal group showed a greater improvement than the sham group. For fast speed, the mean between-group differences were 0.10 m/s, 95% CI (0.02 to 0.17) (post-intervention), 0.11 m/s, (0.03 to 0.19) (1M), and 0.11 m/s, (0.03 to 0.20) (2M), while for self-selected speed, the median differences were 0.10 m/s, 95% CI (0.06 to 0.14) (post-intervention) and 0.09 m/s, (0.01 to 0.19) (2M). The anodal group also had a greater stride length difference post-intervention (median difference: 0.07 m, 95% CI (0.01 to 0.14)). No significant between-group differences were found for other outcomes. CONCLUSION Five-session of anodal tDCS with gait training slightly improved walking speed, sustained for 2 months post-intervention. However, effect on spatiotemporal gait parameters was limited and dynamic balance, functional tasks (ie, sit-to-stand), and quality of life were unaffected compared with overground gait training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pipat Klamruen
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand; Neuro Electrical Stimulation Laboratory (NeuE), Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand; Physical Therapy Unit, Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Jatuporn Suttiwong
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Benchaporn Aneksan
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand; Neuro Electrical Stimulation Laboratory (NeuE), Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Monticha Muangngoen
- Physical Therapy Unit, Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Chanapass Denduang
- Physical Therapy Unit, Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Wanalee Klomjai
- Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand; Neuro Electrical Stimulation Laboratory (NeuE), Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Costa-Pinto S, Gonçalves-Ribeiro J, Tedim-Moreira J, Socodato R, Relvas JB, Sebastião AM, Vaz SH. Communication defects with astroglia contribute to early impairments in the motor cortex plasticity of SOD1 G93A mice. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106435. [PMID: 38336279 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106435] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease, involving the selective degeneration of cortical upper synapses in the primary motor cortex (M1). Excitotoxicity in ALS occurs due to an imbalance between excitation and inhibition, closely linked to the loss/gain of astrocytic function. Using the ALS SOD1G93A mice, we investigated the astrocytic contribution for the electrophysiological alterations observed in the M1 of SOD1G93A mice, throughout disease progression. Results showed that astrocytes are involved in synaptic dysfunction observed in presymptomatic SOD1G93A mice, since astrocytic glutamate transport currents are diminished and pharmacological inhibition of astrocytes only impaired long-term potentiation and basal transmission in wild-type mice. Proteomic analysis revealed major differences in neuronal transmission, metabolism, and immune system in upper synapses, confirming early communication deficits between neurons and astroglia. These results provide valuable insights into the early impact of upper synapses in ALS and the lack of supportive functions of cortical astrocytes, highlighting the possibility of manipulating astrocytes to improve synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Costa-Pinto
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Joana Gonçalves-Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Joana Tedim-Moreira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Renato Socodato
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - João B Relvas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde and Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Sandra H Vaz
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal.
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Jeong CH, Lim H, Lee J, Lee HS, Ku J, Kang YJ. Attentional state-synchronous peripheral electrical stimulation during action observation induced distinct modulation of corticospinal plasticity after stroke. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1373589. [PMID: 38606309 PMCID: PMC11007104 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1373589] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Brain computer interface-based action observation (BCI-AO) is a promising technique in detecting the user's cortical state of visual attention and providing feedback to assist rehabilitation. Peripheral nerve electrical stimulation (PES) is a conventional method used to enhance outcomes in upper extremity function by increasing activation in the motor cortex. In this study, we examined the effects of different pairings of peripheral nerve electrical stimulation (PES) during BCI-AO tasks and their impact on corticospinal plasticity. Materials and methods Our innovative BCI-AO interventions decoded user's attentive watching during task completion. This process involved providing rewarding visual cues while simultaneously activating afferent pathways through PES. Fifteen stroke patients were included in the analysis. All patients underwent a 15 min BCI-AO program under four different experimental conditions: BCI-AO without PES, BCI-AO with continuous PES, BCI-AO with triggered PES, and BCI-AO with reverse PES application. PES was applied at the ulnar nerve of the wrist at an intensity equivalent to 120% of the sensory threshold and a frequency of 50 Hz. The experiment was conducted randomly at least 3 days apart. To assess corticospinal and peripheral nerve excitability, we compared pre and post-task (post 0, post 20 min) parameters of motor evoked potential and F waves under the four conditions in the muscle of the affected hand. Results The findings indicated that corticospinal excitability in the affected hemisphere was higher when PES was synchronously applied with AO training, using BCI during a state of attentive watching. In contrast, there was no effect on corticospinal activation when PES was applied continuously or in the reverse manner. This paradigm promoted corticospinal plasticity for up to 20 min after task completion. Importantly, the effect was more evident in patients over 65 years of age. Conclusion The results showed that task-driven corticospinal plasticity was higher when PES was applied synchronously with a highly attentive brain state during the action observation task, compared to continuous or asynchronous application. This study provides insight into how optimized BCI technologies dependent on brain state used in conjunction with other rehabilitation training could enhance treatment-induced neural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Hyeon Jeong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunmi Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiye Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Sun Lee
- Biostatistics Collaboration Unit, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghun Ku
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Joo Kang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Katagiri N, Saho T, Shibukawa S, Tanabe S, Yamaguchi T. Predicting interindividual response to theta burst stimulation in the lower limb motor cortex using machine learning. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1363860. [PMID: 38572150 PMCID: PMC10987705 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1363860] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Using theta burst stimulation (TBS) to induce neural plasticity has played an important role in improving the treatment of neurological disorders. However, the variability of TBS-induced synaptic plasticity in the primary motor cortex prevents its clinical application. Thus, factors associated with this variability should be explored to enable the creation of a predictive model. Statistical approaches, such as regression analysis, have been used to predict the effects of TBS. Machine learning may potentially uncover previously unexplored predictive factors due to its increased capacity for capturing nonlinear changes. In this study, we used our prior dataset (Katagiri et al., 2020) to determine the factors that predict variability in TBS-induced synaptic plasticity in the lower limb motor cortex for both intermittent (iTBS) and continuous (cTBS) TBS using machine learning. Validation of the created model showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 and 0.69 and positive predictive values of 77.7 and 70.0% for iTBS and cTBS, respectively; the negative predictive value was 75.5% for both patterns. Additionally, the accuracy was 0.76 and 0.72, precision was 0.82 and 0.67, recall was 0.82 and 0.67, and F1 scores were 0.82 and 0.67 for iTBS and cTBS, respectively. The most important predictor of iTBS was the motor evoked potential amplitude, whereas it was the intracortical facilitation for cTBS. Our results provide additional insights into the prediction of the effects of TBS variability according to baseline neurophysiological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuki Katagiri
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tokyo Bay Rehabilitation Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Saho
- Department of Radiological Technology, Kokura Memorial Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shuhei Shibukawa
- Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Evolutionary Cognitive Sciences, Graduate School of Art and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Tanabe
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Yamaguchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Yamagata Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Yamagata, Japan
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Vassiliadis P, Stiennon E, Windel F, Wessel MJ, Beanato E, Hummel FC. Safety, tolerability and blinding efficiency of non-invasive deep transcranial temporal interference stimulation: first experience from more than 250 sessions. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:024001. [PMID: 38408385 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad2d32] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Objective. Selective neuromodulation of deep brain regions has for a long time only been possible through invasive approaches, because of the steep depth-focality trade-off of conventional non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques.Approach. An approach that has recently emerged for deep NIBS in humans is transcranial Temporal Interference Stimulation (tTIS). However, a crucial aspect for its potential wide use is to ensure that it is tolerable, compatible with efficient blinding and safe.Main results. Here, we show the favorable tolerability and safety profiles and the robust blinding efficiency of deep tTIS targeting the striatum or hippocampus by leveraging a large dataset (119 participants, 257 sessions), including young and older adults and patients with traumatic brain injury. tTIS-evoked sensations were generally rated as 'mild', were equivalent in active and placebo tTIS conditions and did not enable participants to discern stimulation type.Significance. Overall, tTIS emerges as a promising tool for deep NIBS for robust double-blind, placebo-controlled designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Vassiliadis
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Neuro-X Institute (INX), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, INX, EPFL Valais, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, 1951 Sion, Switzerland
| | - Emma Stiennon
- Louvain School of Engineering, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Fabienne Windel
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Neuro-X Institute (INX), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, INX, EPFL Valais, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, 1951 Sion, Switzerland
| | | | - Elena Beanato
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Neuro-X Institute (INX), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, INX, EPFL Valais, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, 1951 Sion, Switzerland
| | - Friedhelm C Hummel
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Neuro-X Institute (INX), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, INX, EPFL Valais, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, 1951 Sion, Switzerland
- Clinical Neuroscience, University of Geneva Medical School, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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Lu Q, Huang S, Zhang T, Song J, Dong M, Qian Y, Teng J, Wang T, He C, Shen Y. Age-related differences in long-term potentiation-like plasticity and short-latency afferent inhibition and their association with cognitive function. Gen Psychiatr 2024; 37:e101181. [PMID: 38390239 PMCID: PMC10882289 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2023-101181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The neurophysiological differences in cortical plasticity and cholinergic system function due to ageing and their correlation with cognitive function remain poorly understood. Aims To reveal the differences in long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity and short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) between older and younger individuals, alongside their correlation with cognitive function using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Methods The cross-sectional study involved 31 younger adults aged 18-30 and 46 older adults aged 60-80. All participants underwent comprehensive cognitive assessments and a neurophysiological evaluation based on TMS. Cognitive function assessments included evaluations of global cognitive function, language, memory and executive function. The neurophysiological assessment included LTP-like plasticity and SAI. Results The findings of this study revealed a decline in LTP among the older adults compared with the younger adults (wald χ2=3.98, p=0.046). Subgroup analysis further demonstrated a significant reduction in SAI level among individuals aged 70-80 years in comparison to both the younger adults (SAI(N20): (t=-3.37, p=0.018); SAI(N20+4): (t=-3.13, p=0.038)) and those aged 60-70 (SAI(N20): (t=-3.26, p=0.025); SAI(N20+4): (t=-3.69, p=0.006)). Conversely, there was no notable difference in SAI level between those aged 60-70 years and the younger group. Furthermore, after employing the Bonferroni correction, the correlation analysis revealed that only the positive correlation between LTP-like plasticity and language function (r=0.61, p<0.001) in the younger group remained statistically significant. Conclusions During the normal ageing process, a decline in synaptic plasticity may precede cholinergic system dysfunction. In individuals over 60 years of age, there is a reduction in LTP-like plasticity, while a decline in cholinergic system function is observed in those over 70. Thus, the cholinergic system may play a vital role in preventing cognitive decline during normal ageing. In younger individuals, LTP-like plasticity might represent a potential neurophysiological marker for language function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sisi Huang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianjiao Zhang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Song
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Manyu Dong
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yilun Qian
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Teng
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Criado-Marrero M, Ravi S, Bhaskar E, Barroso D, Pizzi MA, Williams L, Wellington CL, Febo M, Abisambra JF. Age dictates brain functional connectivity and axonal integrity following repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.25.577316. [PMID: 38328104 PMCID: PMC10849649 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.25.577316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) present a major public health challenge, demanding an in-depth understanding of age-specific signs and vulnerabilities. Aging not only significantly influences brain function and plasticity but also elevates the risk of hospitalizations and death following repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (rmTBIs). In this study, we investigate the impact of age on brain network changes and white matter properties following rmTBI employing a multi-modal approach that integrates resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI), graph theory analysis, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI). Utilizing the CHIMERA model, we conducted rmTBIs or sham (control) procedures on young (2.5-3 months old) and aged (22-month-old) male and female mice to model high risk groups. Functional and structural imaging unveiled age-related reductions in communication efficiency between brain regions, while injuries induced opposing effects on the small-world index across age groups, influencing network segregation. Functional connectivity analysis also identified alterations in 79 out of 148 brain regions by age, treatment (sham vs. rmTBI), or their interaction. Injuries exerted pronounced effects on sensory integration areas, including insular and motor cortices. Age-related disruptions in white matter integrity were observed, indicating alterations in various diffusion directions (mean, radial, axial diffusivity, fractional anisotropy) and density neurite properties (dispersion index, intracellular and isotropic volume fraction). Inflammation, assessed through Iba-1 and GFAP markers, correlated with higher dispersion in the optic tract, suggesting a neuroinflammatory response in aged animals. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between age, injuries, and brain connectivity, shedding light on the long-term consequences of rmTBIs.
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12
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Lewis A, Toufexis C, Goldsmith C, Robinson R, Howie G, Rattray B, Flood A. The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Exercise on Salivary S100B Protein Indicated Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability: A Pilot Study. Neuromodulation 2023:S1094-7159(23)00984-4. [PMID: 38159099 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.11.006] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and exercise on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in humans as assessed through the quantification of the salivary protein biomarker S100B. It was hypothesized that active tDCS would induce a significant increase in salivary S100B concentration when compared with sham stimulation and no stimulation. It also was hypothesized that the increase in salivary S100B concentration would be greater after active tDCS and exercise than after tDCS or exercise alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 13 healthy adults (five male, eight female), ranging in age from 21 to 32 years, underwent three experimental conditions (active tDCS, sham tDCS, inactive control). To assess exercise- and tDCS-induced changes in BBB permeability, S100B in saliva was measured. Saliva samples were taken before tDCS, after tDCS, and immediately after a ramped cycling time-to-exhaustion (TTE) task. Active tDCS involved the application of anodal stimulation over the primary motor cortex for 20 minutes at 2 mA. RESULTS S100B concentrations in the control condition did not differ significantly from the active condition (estimate = 0.10, SE = 0.36, t = 0.27, p = 0.79) or the sham condition (estimate = 0.33, SE = 0.36, t = 0.89, p = 0.38). Similarly, S100B concentrations at baseline did not differ significantly from post-intervention (estimate = -0.35, SE = 0.34, t = -1.03, p = 0.31) or post-TTE (estimate = 0.66, SE = 0.34, t = 1.93, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS This research provides novel insight into the effect of tDCS and exercise on S100B-indicated BBB permeability in humans. Although the effects of tDCS were not significant, increases in salivary S100B after a fatiguing cycling task may indicate exercise-induced changes in BBB permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Lewis
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia; University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
| | - Constantino Toufexis
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Chloe Goldsmith
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Rebecca Robinson
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Grace Howie
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Ben Rattray
- University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Andrew Flood
- Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia; University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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13
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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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Klees-Themens G, Théoret H. The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on corticospinal excitability: A systematic review of nonsignificant findings. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:3074-3097. [PMID: 37407275 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16073] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can modulate brain activity through the application of low-intensity electrical currents. Based on its reported effects on corticospinal excitability (CSE), tDCS has been used to study cognition in healthy individuals and reduce symptoms in a variety of clinical conditions. Despite its increasing popularity as a research and clinical tool, high interindividual variability has been reported in the response to protocols using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess tDCS-induced changes in CSE leading to several nonsignificant findings. In this systematic review, studies that reported no significant modulation of CSE following tDCS were identified from PubMed and Embase (Ovid) databases. Forty-three articles were identified where demographic, TMS and tDCS parameters were extracted. Overall, stimulation parameters, CSE measurements and participant characteristics were similar to those described in studies reporting positive results and were likewise heterogeneous between studies. Small sample sizes and inadequate blinding were notable features of the reviewed studies. This systematic review suggests that studies reporting nonsignificant findings do not markedly differ from those reporting significant modulation of CSE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugo Théoret
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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15
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Liao W, Opie GM, Ziemann U, Semmler JG. Modulation of dorsal premotor cortex differentially influences I-wave excitability in primary motor cortex of young and older adults. J Physiol 2023; 601:2959-2974. [PMID: 37194369 PMCID: PMC10952229 DOI: 10.1113/jp284204] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has demonstrated weakened connectivity between dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) and motor cortex (M1) with age. While this alteration is probably mediated by changes in the communication between the two regions, the effect of age on the influence of PMd on specific indirect (I) wave circuits within M1 remains unclear. The present study therefore investigated the influence of PMd on early and late I-wave excitability in M1 of young and older adults. Twenty-two young (mean ± SD, 22.9 ± 2.9 years) and 20 older (66.6 ± 4.2 years) adults participated in two experimental sessions involving either intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) or sham stimulation over PMd. Changes within M1 following the intervention were assessed with motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) recorded from the right first dorsal interosseous muscle. We applied posterior-anterior (PA) and anterior-posterior (AP) current single-pulse TMS to assess corticospinal excitability (PA1mV ; AP1mV ; PA0.5mV , early; AP0.5mV , late), and paired-pulse TMS short intracortical facilitation for I-wave excitability (PA SICF, early; AP SICF, late). Although PMd iTBS potentiated PA1mV and AP1mV MEPs in both age groups (both P < 0.05), the time course of this effect was delayed for AP1mV in older adults (P = 0.001). Furthermore, while AP0.5mV , PA SICF and AP SICF were potentiated in both groups (all P < 0.05), potentiation of PA0.5mV was only apparent in young adults (P < 0.0001). While PMd influences early and late I-wave excitability in young adults, direct PMd modulation of the early circuits is specifically reduced in older adults. KEY POINTS: Interneuronal circuits responsible for late I-waves within primary motor cortex (M1) mediate projections from dorsal premotor cortex (PMd), but this communication probably changes with advancing age. We investigated the effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) to PMd on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures of M1 excitability in young and older adults. We found that PMd iTBS facilitated M1 excitability assessed with posterior-anterior (PA, early I-waves) and anterior-posterior (AP, late I-waves) current TMS in young adults, with a stronger effect for AP TMS. M1 excitability assessed with AP TMS also increased in older adults following PMd iTBS, but there was no facilitation for PA TMS responses. We conclude that changes in M1 excitability following PMd iTBS are specifically reduced for the early I-waves in older adults, which could be a potential target for interventions that enhance cortical excitability in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Yeh Liao
- Discipline of Physiology, School of BiomedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
| | - George M. Opie
- Discipline of Physiology, School of BiomedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology & StrokeEberhard Karls University of TübingenTübingenGermany
- Hertie‐Institute for Clinical Brain ResearchEberhard Karls University of TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - John G. Semmler
- Discipline of Physiology, School of BiomedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideAustralia
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Mosayebi-Samani M, Agboada D, Mutanen TP, Haueisen J, Kuo MF, Nitsche MA. Transferability of cathodal tDCS effects from the primary motor to the prefrontal cortex: A multimodal TMS-EEG study. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:515-539. [PMID: 36828302 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurophysiological effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have been extensively studied over the primary motor cortex (M1). Much less is however known about its effects over non-motor areas, such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is the neuronal foundation for many high-level cognitive functions and involved in neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we, therefore, explored the transferability of cathodal tDCS effects over M1 to the PFC. Eighteen healthy human participants (11 males and 8 females) were involved in eight randomized sessions per participant, in which four cathodal tDCS dosages, low, medium, and high, as well as sham stimulation, were applied over the left M1 and left PFC. After-effects of tDCS were evaluated via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-electroencephalography (EEG), and TMS-elicited motor evoked potentials (MEP), for the outcome parameters TMS-evoked potentials (TEP), TMS-evoked oscillations, and MEP amplitude alterations. TEPs were studied both at the regional and global scalp levels. The results indicate a regional dosage-dependent nonlinear neurophysiological effect of M1 tDCS, which is not one-to-one transferable to PFC tDCS. Low and high dosages of M1 tDCS reduced early positive TEP peaks (P30, P60), and MEP amplitudes, while an enhancement was observed for medium dosage M1 tDCS (P30). In contrast, prefrontal low, medium and high dosage tDCS uniformly reduced the early positive TEP peak amplitudes. Furthermore, for both cortical areas, regional tDCS-induced modulatory effects were not observed for late TEP peaks, nor TMS-evoked oscillations. However, at the global scalp level, widespread effects of tDCS were observed for both, TMS-evoked potentials and oscillations. This study provides the first direct physiological comparison of tDCS effects applied over different brain areas and therefore delivers crucial information for future tDCS applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Mosayebi-Samani
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany; Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Desmond Agboada
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany; Institute of Psychology, Federal Armed Forces University Munich, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Tuomas P Mutanen
- Department of Neuroscience & Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, School of Science, 00076, Aalto, Espoo, Finland
| | - Jens Haueisen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Min-Fang Kuo
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany; Bielefeld University, University Hospital OWL, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Bielefeld, Germany.
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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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Therrien-Blanchet JM, Ferland MC, Badri M, Rousseau MA, Merabtine A, Boucher E, Hofmann LH, Lepage JF, Théoret H. The neurophysiological aftereffects of brain stimulation in human primary motor cortex: a Sham-controlled comparison of three protocols. Cereb Cortex 2023:7030623. [PMID: 36749004 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad021] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Paired associative stimulation (PAS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) are non-invasive brain stimulation methods that are used to modulate cortical excitability. Whether one technique is superior to the others in achieving this outcome and whether individuals that respond to one intervention are more likely to respond to another remains largely unknown. In the present study, the neurophysiological aftereffects of three excitatory neurostimulation protocols were measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Twenty minutes of PAS at an ISI of 25 ms, anodal tDCS, 20-Hz tACS, and Sham stimulation were administered to 31 healthy adults in a repeated measures design. Compared with Sham, none of the stimulation protocols significantly modulated corticospinal excitability (input/ouput curve and slope, TMS stimulator intensity required to elicit MEPs of 1-mV amplitude) or intracortical excitability (short- and long-interval intracortical inhibition, intracortical facilitation, cortical silent period). Sham-corrected responder analysis estimates showed that an average of 41 (PAS), 39 (tDCS), and 39% (tACS) of participants responded to the interventions with an increase in corticospinal excitability. The present data show that three stimulation protocols believed to increase cortical excitability are associated with highly heterogenous and variable aftereffects that may explain a lack of significant group effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Meriem Badri
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Amira Merabtine
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Emelie Boucher
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Lydia Helena Hofmann
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-François Lepage
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHU Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Hugo Théoret
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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Ren L, Zhai Z, Xiang Q, Zhuo K, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Jiao X, Tong S, Liu D, Sun J. Transcranial ultrasound stimulation modulates the interhemispheric balance of excitability in human motor cortex. J Neural Eng 2023; 20. [PMID: 36669203 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/acb50d] [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: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background. Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) could induce both immediate and long-lasting neuromodulatory effects in human brains. Interhemispheric imbalance at prefrontal or motor cortices generally associates with various cognitive decline in aging and mental disorders. However, whether TUS could modulate the interhemispheric balance of excitability in human brain remains unknown.Objective. This study aims to explore whether repetitive TUS (rTUS) intervention can modulate the interhemispheric balance of excitability between bilateral motor cortex (M1) in healthy subjects.Approach. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) at bilateral M1 were measured at 15 min and 0 min before a 15 min active or sham rTUS intervention on left M1 and at 0 min, 15 min and 30 min after the intervention, and the Chinese version of brief neurocognitive test battery (C-BCT) was conducted before and after the intervention respectively. Cortical excitability was quantified by MEPs, and the long-lasting changes of MEP amplitude was used as an index of plasticity.Results. In the active rTUS group (n= 20), the ipsilateral MEP amplitude increased significantly compared with baselines and lasted for up to 30 min after intervention, while the contralateral MEP amplitude decreased lasting for 15 min, yielding increased laterality between bilateral MEPs. Furthermore, rTUS intervention induced changes in some C-BCT scores, and the changes of scores correlated with the changes of MEP amplitudes induced by rTUS intervention. The sham rTUS group (n= 20) showed no significant changes in MEPs and C-BCT scores. In addition, no participants reported any adverse effects during and after the rTUS intervention, and no obvious temperature increase appeared in skull or brain tissues in simulation.Significance. rTUS intervention modulated the plasticity of ipsilateral M1 and the interhemispheric balance of M1 excitability in human brain, and improved cognitive performance, suggesting a considerable potential of rTUS in clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Ren
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200230, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaolin Zhai
- First-episode Schizophrenia and Early Psychosis Program, Division of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Xiang
- First-episode Schizophrenia and Early Psychosis Program, Division of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiming Zhuo
- First-episode Schizophrenia and Early Psychosis Program, Division of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Suzhen Zhang
- First-episode Schizophrenia and Early Psychosis Program, Division of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China.,Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200230, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiong Jiao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200230, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanbao Tong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200230, People's Republic of China.,Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200230, People's Republic of China
| | - Dengtang Liu
- First-episode Schizophrenia and Early Psychosis Program, Division of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China.,Department of Psychiatry, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Mental Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfeng Sun
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200230, People's Republic of China
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20
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A microfluidic perspective on conventional in vitro transcranial direct current stimulation methods. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 385:109761. [PMID: 36470469 PMCID: PMC9884911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising non-invasive brain stimulation method to treat neurological and psychiatric diseases. However, its underlying neural mechanisms warrant further investigation. Indeed, dose-response interrelations are poorly understood. Placing explanted brain tissue, mostly from mice or rats, into a uniform direct current electric field (dcEF) is a well-established in vitro system to elucidate the neural mechanism of tDCS. Nevertheless, we will show that generating a defined, uniform, and constant dcEF throughout a brain slice is challenging. This article critically reviews the methods used to generate and calibrate a uniform dcEF. We use finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the widely used parallel electrode configuration and show that it may not reliably generate uniform dcEF within a brain slice inside an open interface or submerged chamber. Moreover, equivalent circuit analysis and measurements inside a testing chamber suggest that calibrating the dcEF intensity with two recording electrodes can inaccurately capture the true EF magnitude in the targeted tissue when specific criteria are not met. Finally, we outline why microfluidic chambers are an effective and calibration-free approach of generating spatiotemporally uniform dcEF for DCS in vitro studies, facilitating accurate and fine-scale dcEF adjustments. We are convinced that improving the precision and addressing the limitations of current experimental platforms will substantially improve the reproducibility of in vitro experimental results. A better mechanistic understanding of dose-response relations will ultimately facilitate more effective non-invasive stimulation therapies in patients.
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21
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Baharlouei H, Ali Salehinejad M, Talimkhani A, Nitsche MA. The Effect of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation on Gait in Healthy Young and Older Adults: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Neuroscience 2023; 516:125-140. [PMID: 36720301 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.01.026] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Walking is an important function which requires coordinated activity of sensory-motor neural networks. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a safe neuromodulatory technique with motor function-improving effects. This study aimed to determine the effect of different types of NIBS interventions explored in randomized controlled trials on gait in healthy young and older adults. METHODS Based on the PRISMA approach, we conducted an electronic search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PEDro for randomized clinical trials assessing the effect of NIBS on gait in healthy young and older adults and performed a narrative review. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included in this systematic review. According to the outcomes, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the motor cortex and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) over the cerebellum seem to be promising for improving gait characteristics such as speed, synchronization, and variability. Furthermore, tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) improved gait speed and reduced gait parameter variability under dual-task conditions. Only one repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation was available, which showed no effects. No studies were available for transcranial random noise stimulation, and transcranial pulsed current stimulation. Moreover, the intervention parameters of the included studies were heterogeneous, and studies comparing directly specific intervention protocols were missing. CONCLUSION NIBS is a promising approach to improve gait in healthy young and older adults. Anodal tDCS over the motor areas and DLPFC, and tACS over the cerebellum have shown positive effects on gait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamzeh Baharlouei
- Musculoskeletal Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Ali Salehinejad
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Ailin Talimkhani
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany.
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22
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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23
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Marinus N, Van Hoornweder S, Aarts M, Vanbilsen J, Hansen D, Meesen R. The influence of a single transcranial direct current stimulation session on physical fitness in healthy subjects: a systematic review. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:31-47. [PMID: 36357590 PMCID: PMC9648891 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06494-5] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Physical fitness is of indisputable importance for both health, and sports. Currently, the brain is being increasingly recognized as a contributor to physical fitness. Hereby, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), as an ergogenic aid, has gained scientific interest. The current PRISMA-adherent review aimed to examine the effect of tDCS on the three core components of physical fitness: muscle strength, -endurance and cardiopulmonary endurance. Randomized controlled- or cross-over trials evaluating the effect of a single tDCS session (vs. sham) in healthy individuals were included. Hereby, a wide array of tDCS-related factors (e.g., tDCS montage and dose) was taken into account. Thirty-five studies (540 participants) were included. Between-study heterogeneity in factors such as age, activity level, tDCS protocol, and outcome measures was large. The capacity of tDCS to improve physical fitness varied substantially across studies. Nevertheless, muscle endurance was most susceptible to improvements following anodal tDCS (AtDCS), with 69% of studies (n = 11) investigating this core component of physical fitness reporting positive effects. The primary motor cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were targeted the most, with positive results being reported on muscle and cardiopulmonary endurance. Finally, online tDCS seemed most beneficial, and no clear relationship between tDCS and dose-related parameters seemed present. These findings can contribute to optimizing tDCS interventions during the rehabilitation of patients with a variety of (chronic) diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Therefore, future studies should focus on further unraveling the potential of AtDCS on physical fitness and, more specifically, muscle endurance in both healthy subjects and patients suffering from (chronic) diseases. This study was registered in Prospero with the registration number CRD42021258529. "To enable PROSPERO to focus on COVID-19 registrations during the 2020 pandemic, this registration record was automatically published exactly as submitted. The PROSPERO team has not checked eligibility".
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastasia Marinus
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium. .,Biomedical Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Sybren Van Hoornweder
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Marthe Aarts
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jessie Vanbilsen
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Dominique Hansen
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Biomedical Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Heart Centre Hasselt, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Raf Meesen
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building A 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
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24
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Transcranial direct current stimulation influences repetitive bimanual force control and interlimb force coordination. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:313-323. [PMID: 36512062 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06526-0] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on repetitive bimanual force control and force coordination in healthy young adults. In this sham-controlled crossover study, 18 right-handed young adults were enrolled. Repetitive bimanual handgrip force control trials were performed by the participants at 40% of maximum voluntary contraction until task failure. We randomly provided bilateral active and sham tDCS to the primary motor cortex (M1) of each participant before conducting the repetitive bimanual force control task. We quantified the number of successful trials to assess the ability to maintain bimanual force control across multiple trials. Moreover, we estimated bimanual force control and force coordination by quantifying force accuracy, variability, regularity, and correlation coefficient in maximal and adjusted successful trials. Force asymmetry was calculated to examine potential changes in motor dependency on each hand during the task. Bilateral tDCS significantly increased the number of successful trials compared with sham tDCS. The adjusted successful trial revealed that participants who received bilateral tDCS maintained better bimanual force control and coordination, as indicated by decreased force variability and regularity as well as more negative correlation coefficient values in comparison with sham condition. Moreover, participants who received bilateral tDCS produced more force from the dominant hand than from the nondominant hand in both maximal and adjusted successful trials. These findings suggest that bilateral tDCS on M1 successfully maintains bimanual force control with better force coordination by modulating motor dependency.
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25
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Sensory substitution for orthopaedic gait rehabilitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis for clinical practice guideline development. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10986. [PMID: 36254278 PMCID: PMC9568842 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sensory Substitution is a biofeedback intervention whereby at least sensory system is utilised to supplement environmental information which is traditionally gathered by another sense. Objective To present an evidence-based overview of the feasibility and effectiveness of wearable Sensory Substitution devices on gait outcomes in orthopaedic patient populations. Methods This Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis was reported according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of science and PEDro were searched for relevant published literature. Inclusion criteria limited the search strictly to patients diagnosed with an orthopaedic condition and who were randomly grouped to a Sensory Substitution intervention or conventional therapy/training or an equivalent placebo intervention. Results Nine Randomised Controlled Trials and three Crossover Trials investigating the effectiveness of Sensory Substitution supplemented gait training were identified and included participants with a variety of orthopaedic conditions. Meta-Analyses revealed positive findings of feasibility as well as statistical and clinical effect of the interventions in improving measures of gait speed, weight-bearing control, measures of functionality and subjective self-reporting. Meta-Analyses also revealed the interventions effects were not significant in the management of pain and retention of gait speed. Negatively reinforced Sensory Substitution biofeedback was statistically and clinically effective, whilst positively reinforced biofeedback was not. Conclusion For orthopaedic patient populations to improve gait speed, weight-bearing control, functionality, pain and self-report measures, the authors recommend a Sensory Substitution supplemented gait training programme with negative biofeedback on performance. The intervention should be undertaken for 20 min per day, 3 days per week for 5 weeks. The intervention should coincide with structured analgesia administration to facilitate effective pain management. Limitations of the data included some low sample sizes and large age-ranges. No financial support was provided for this study.
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26
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Satorres E, Meléndez JC, Pitarque A, Real E, Abella M, Escudero J. Enhancing Immediate Memory, Potential Learning, and Working Memory with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Healthy Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12716. [PMID: 36232016 PMCID: PMC9564946 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a prevention method or minimizer of the normal cognitive deterioration that occurs during the aging process. tDCS can be used to enhance cognitive functions such as immediate memory, learning, or working memory in healthy subjects. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of two 20-min sessions of anodal transcranial direct stimulation on immediate memory, learning potential, and working memory in healthy older adults. METHODS A randomized, single-blind, repeated-measures, sham-controlled design was used. The sample is made up of 31 healthy older adults, of whom 16 were in the stimulation group and 15 were in the sham group. The anode was placed on position F7, coinciding with the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex region, and the cathode was placed on Fp2, the right supraorbital area (rSO). RESULTS When comparing the results of the treatment group and the sham group, differences were observed in working memory and learning potential; however, no differences in immediate memory were found. CONCLUSION The results showed that tDCS is a non-invasive and safe tool to enhance cognitive processes in healthy older adults interested in maintaining some cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Encarnación Satorres
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan C. Meléndez
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Alfonso Pitarque
- Department of Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Real
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mireia Abella
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Joaquin Escudero
- Hospital General of Valencia, Av. Tres Cruces, 2, 46014 Valencia, Spain
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27
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Abedi R, Talimkhani A, Mohammadzadeh Z, Daryabor A, Naimi SS. The impact of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of primary motor cortex on motor learning in older adults with low levels of activity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERAPY AND REHABILITATION 2022. [DOI: 10.12968/ijtr.2021.0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background/aims Older adults with different physical activity levels have often demonstrated individual differences in motor performance and learning. Serial reaction time task training and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the primary motor cortex were used in this study to evaluate how these interventions affected motor learning in older adults with low activity levels. Methods In this randomised controlled trial, 28 healthy, right-handed, older adults with low activity levels, with a mean age of 69.92 years, were randomly allocated to an anodal transcranial direct current stimulation group (n=14) or sham transcranial direct current stimulation group (n=14), based on a simple non-probability sampling method. The experimental group was exposed to 20 minutes of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the motor cortex, using a tDCS device, alongside eight sequenced or randomised blocks of serial reaction time task activities, for 5 consecutive days. In the control group, the tDCS device was automatically switched off after 1 minute. To assess implicit motor learning, the response time and error rate of two sequenced blocks of serial reaction time task activities were collected before, immediately following, 1 day and 1 week after the completion of the intervention. Results Immediately following the end of the intervention, at day 5, the mean response time and error rate were 925.09 and 2.55 in the experimental group, and 1016.52 and 4.10 in the control group. At 1 day after the completion of the intervention, the mean response time and error rates were 927.40 and 3.03 in the experimental group and 1021.91 and 4.34 in the control group. At 1 week after the completion of the intervention, the mean response time and error rates were 942.26 and 3.63 in the experimental group and 1050.08 and 5.11 in the control group. These findings indicate that response time and error rate were significantly decreased in both stimulation groups at different time points (P<0.001). At the same time, there were no significant differences in the response time and error rate between the two groups at different time points: immediately (P=0.07, P=0.31), 1 day (P=0.06, P=0.41) and 1 week (P=0.04, P=0.35) after the completion of the intervention respectively. Conclusions Serial reaction time task training, with or without applying anodal transcranial direct current stimulation, can improve motor learning in low-activity older adults. Therefore, it appears that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation did not affect or improve motor learning in older adults with low motor activity. Motor learning training can be used alone as a practical and helpful intervention to improve performance and implicit motor skill learning with long-lasting effects in older adults with low levels of activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Abedi
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ailin Talimkhani
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Zahra Mohammadzadeh
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aliyeh Daryabor
- Physiotherapy Research Center, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Sadat Naimi
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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28
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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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Sasaki R, Watanabe H, Onishi H. Therapeutic benefits of noninvasive somatosensory cortex stimulation on cortical plasticity and somatosensory function: a systematic review. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4669-4698. [PMID: 35804487 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15767] [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: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Optimal limb coordination requires efficient transmission of somatosensory information to the sensorimotor cortex. The primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is frequently damaged by stroke, resulting in both somatosensory and motor impairments. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to the primary motor cortex is thought to induce neural plasticity that facilitates neurorehabilitation. Several studies have also examined if NIBS to the S1 can enhance somatosensory processing as assessed by somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) and improve behavioral task performance, but it remains uncertain if NIBS can reliably modulate S1 plasticity or even whether SEPs can reflect this plasticity. This systematic review revealed that NIBS has relatively minor effects on SEPs or somatosensory task performance, but larger early SEP changes after NIBS can still predict improved performance. Similarly, decreased paired-pulse inhibition in S1 post-NIBS is associated with improved somatosensory performance. However, several studies still debate the role of inhibitory function in somatosensory performance after NIBS in terms of the direction of the change (that, disinhibition or inhibition). Altogether, early SEP and paired-pulse inhibition (particularly inter-stimulus intervals of 30-100 ms) may become useful biomarkers for somatosensory deficits, but improved NIBS protocols are required for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoki Sasaki
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Discipline of Physiology, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Hiraku Watanabe
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hideaki Onishi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
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30
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Rivera-Urbina GN, Martínez-Castañeda MF, Núñez-Gómez AM, Molero-Chamizo A, Nitsche MA, Alameda-Bailén JR. Effects of tDCS applied over the left IFG and pSTG language areas on verb recognition task performance. Psychophysiology 2022; 59:e14134. [PMID: 35780078 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14134] [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: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge about the relevance of the left inferior frontal gyrus (lIFG) and the left posterior superior temporal gyrus (lpSTG) in visual recognition of word categories is limited at present. tDCS is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that alters cortical activity and excitability, and thus might be a useful tool for delineating the specific impact of both areas on word recognition. The objective of this study was to explore whether the visual recognition process of verb categories is improved by a single tDCS session. lIFG and lpSTG areas were separately modulated by anodal tDCS to evaluate its effects on verbal recognition. Compared to sham stimulation, motor reaction times (RTs) were reduced after anodal tDCS over the lpSTG, and this effect was independent of the performing hand (right/left). These findings suggest that this region is involved in visual word recognition independently from the performing hand.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michael A Nitsche
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
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Schmaußer M, Hoffmann S, Raab M, Laborde S. The effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on heart rate and heart rate variability: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1664-1694. [PMID: 35582757 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation are widely used to test the involvement of specific cortical regions in various domains such as cognition and emotion. Despite the capability of stimulation techniques to test causal directions, this approach has been only sparsely used to examine the cortical regulation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions such as heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) and to test current models in this regard. In this preregistered (PROSPERO) systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate, based on meta-regression, whether NIBS represents an effective method for modulating HR and HRV measures, and to evaluate whether the ANS is modulated by cortical mechanisms affected by NIBS. Here we have adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. In a series of four meta-analyses, a total of 131 effect sizes from 35 sham-controlled trials were analyzed using robust variance estimation random-effects meta-regression technique. NIBS was found to effectively modulate HR and HRV with small to medium effect sizes. Moderator analyses yielded significant differences in effects between stimulation of distinct cortical areas. Our results show that NIBS is a promising tool to investigate the cortical regulation of ANS, which may add to the existing brain imaging and animal study literature. Future research is needed to identify further factors modulating the size of effects. As many of the studies reviewed were found to be at high risk of bias, we recommend that methods to reduce potential risk of bias be used in the design and conduct of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sven Hoffmann
- Institute of Psychology, University of Hagen, Hagen, Germany
| | - Markus Raab
- Institute of Psychology, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany.,School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Sylvain Laborde
- Institute of Psychology, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany.,UFR STAPS, EA 4260, Université de Caen Normandie, Caen, France
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Sevilla-Sanchez M, Hortobágyi T, Carballeira E, Fogelson N, Fernandez-del-Olmo M. A lack of timing-dependent effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the performance of a choice reaction time task. Neurosci Lett 2022; 782:136691. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Directionality of the injected current targeting the P20/N20 source determines the efficacy of 140 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)-induced aftereffects in the somatosensory cortex. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266107. [PMID: 35324989 PMCID: PMC8947130 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266107] [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: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Interindividual anatomical differences in the human cortex can lead to suboptimal current directions and may result in response variability of transcranial electrical stimulation methods. These differences in brain anatomy require individualized electrode stimulation montages to induce an optimal current density in the targeted area of each individual subject. We aimed to explore the possible modulatory effects of 140 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on the somatosensory cortex using personalized multi-electrode stimulation montages. In two randomized experiments using either tactile finger or median nerve stimulation, we measured by evoked potentials the plasticity aftereffects and oscillatory power changes after 140 Hz tACS at 1.0 mA as compared to sham stimulation (n = 17, male = 9). We found a decrease in the power of oscillatory mu-rhythms during and immediately after tactile discrimination tasks, indicating an engagement of the somatosensory system during stimulus encoding. On a group level both the oscillatory power and the evoked potential amplitudes were not modulated by tACS neither after tactile finger stimulation nor after median nerve stimulation as compared to sham stimulation. On an individual level we could however demonstrate that lower angular difference (i.e., differences between the injected current vector in the target region and the source orientation vector) is associated with significantly higher changes in both P20/N20 and N30/P30 source activities. Our findings suggest that the higher the directionality of the injected current correlates to the dipole orientation the greater the tACS-induced aftereffects are.
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Pipatsrisawat S, Klaphajone J, Kitisak K, Sungkarat S, Wivatvongvana P. Effects of combining two techniques of non-invasive brain stimulation in subacute stroke patients: a pilot study. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:98. [PMID: 35300622 PMCID: PMC8928603 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02607-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Strokes have recently become a leading cause of disability among Thai people. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) seems to give promising results in stroke recovery when combined with standard rehabilitation programs. Objective To evaluate the combined effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the non-lesional primary motor cortex on upper limb motor recovery in patients with subacute stroke. No reports of a combination of these two techniques of NIBS were found in the relevant literature. Methods This pilot study was a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial of ten patients with subacute stroke admitted to the Rehabilitation Medicine Inpatient Unit, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai University. They were randomized into two groups: five in an active and five in a sham intervention group. Fugl-Meyer’s upper extremity motor score (FMA-UE) and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) were used to assess motor recovery at baseline, immediately, and 1 week after stimulation. Results A two-way repeated ANOVA (mixed design) showed a significant improvement in FMA-UE scores in the active intervention group both immediately and 1 week after stimulation in comparison to the baseline, [time, F (2, 16) = 27.44, p < 0.001, time x group interaction, F (2, 16) = 13.29, p < 0.001]. Despite no statistical significance, a trend toward higher WMFT scores was shown in the active intervention group. Conclusions A single session of low-frequency rTMS and cathodal tDCS over the non-lesional primary motor cortex may enhance upper limb motor recovery in patients with subacute stroke. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-022-02607-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutthikit Pipatsrisawat
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Jakkrit Klaphajone
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Kittipong Kitisak
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Somporn Sungkarat
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Pakorn Wivatvongvana
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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35
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Rivera-Urbina GN, Molero-Chamizo A, Nitsche MA. Discernible effects of tDCS over the primary motor and posterior parietal cortex on different stages of motor learning. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:1115-1131. [PMID: 35037127 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02451-0] [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: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Implicit motor learning and memory involve complex cortical and subcortical networks. The induction of plasticity in these network components via non-invasive brain stimulation, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), has shown to improve motor learning. However, studies showing these effects are mostly restricted to stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) during the early stage of learning. Because of this, we aimed to explore the efficacy of anodal tDCS applied over the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), which is involved in memory processes, on serial reaction time task (SRTT) performance. Specifically, to evaluate the involvement of both motor learning network components, we compared the effects of tDCS applied over regions corresponding to M1 and PPC during the early and late stages of learning. The results revealed a selective improvement of reaction time (RT) during anodal stimulation over the PPC in the late stage of learning. These findings support the assumption that the PPC is relevant during specific phases of learning, at least for SRTT performance. The results also indicate that not only the target area (i.e., PPC), but also timing is crucial for achieving the effects of stimulation on motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Nathzidy Rivera-Urbina
- Autonomous University of Baja California, Blvd Juan A Zertuche y Blvd de los Lagos s/n Fracc, Valle Dorado, C.P. 22890, Ensenada, Baja California, México.
| | | | - Michael A Nitsche
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
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36
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Ghasemian-Shirvan E, Mosayebi-Samani M, Farnad L, Kuo MF, Meesen RL, Nitsche MA. Age-dependent non-linear neuroplastic effects of cathodal tDCS in the elderly population; a titration study. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:296-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Jankowska E, Hammar I. The plasticity of nerve fibers: the prolonged effects of polarization of afferent fibers. J Neurophysiol 2021; 126:1568-1591. [PMID: 34525323 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00718.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The review surveys various aspects of the plasticity of nerve fibers, in particular the prolonged increase in their excitability evoked by polarization, focusing on a long-lasting increase in the excitability of myelinated afferent fibers traversing the dorsal columns of the spinal cord. We review the evidence that increased axonal excitability 1) follows epidurally applied direct current (DC) as well as relatively short (5 or 10 ms) current pulses and synaptically evoked intrinsic field potentials; 2) critically depends on the polarization of branching regions of afferent fibers at the sites where they bifurcate and give off axon collaterals entering the spinal gray matter in conjunction with actions of extrasynaptic GABAA membrane receptors; and 3) shares the feature of being activity-independent with the short-lasting effects of polarization of peripheral nerve fibers. A comparison between the polarization evoked sustained increase in the excitability of dorsal column fibers and spinal motoneurons (plateau potentials) indicates the possibility that they are mediated by partly similar membrane channels (including noninactivating type L Cav++ 1.3 but not Na+ channels) and partly different mechanisms. We finally consider under which conditions transspinally applied DC (tsDCS) might reproduce the effects of epidural polarization on dorsal column fibers and the possible advantages of increased excitability of afferent fibers for the rehabilitation of motor and sensory functions after spinal cord injuries.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This review supplements previous reviews of properties of nerve fibers by surveying recent experimental evidence for their long-term plasticity. It also extends recent descriptions of spinal effects of DC by reviewing effects of polarization of afferent nerve fibers within the dorsal columns, the mechanisms most likely underlying the long-lasting increase in their excitability and possible clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Jankowska
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingela Hammar
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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38
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Petitet P, Spitz G, Emir UE, Johansen-Berg H, O'Shea J. Age-related decline in cortical inhibitory tone strengthens motor memory. Neuroimage 2021; 245:118681. [PMID: 34728243 PMCID: PMC8752967 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing disrupts the finely tuned excitation/inhibition balance (E:I) across cortex via a natural decline in inhibitory tone (γ-amino butyric acid, GABA), causing functional decrements. However, in young adults, experimentally lowering GABA in sensorimotor cortex enhances a specific domain of sensorimotor function: adaptation memory. Here, we tested the hypothesis that as sensorimotor cortical GABA declines naturally with age, adaptation memory would increase, and the former would explain the latter. Results confirmed this prediction. To probe causality, we used brain stimulation to further lower sensorimotor cortical GABA during adaptation. Across individuals, how stimulation changed memory depended on sensorimotor cortical E:I. In those with low E:I, stimulation increased memory; in those with high E:I stimulation reduced memory. Thus, we identified a form of motor memory that is naturally strengthened by age, depends causally on sensorimotor cortex neurochemistry, and may be a potent target for motor skill preservation strategies in healthy ageing and neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Petitet
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Equipe Trajectoires, Inserm UMR-S 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Université Lyon 1, Bron, France.
| | - Gershon Spitz
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Uzay E Emir
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
| | - Heidi Johansen-Berg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Jacinta O'Shea
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA), University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Lane, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Sasaki R, Kojima S, Onishi H. Do Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Genetic Polymorphisms Modulate the Efficacy of Motor Cortex Plasticity Induced by Non-invasive Brain Stimulation? A Systematic Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:742373. [PMID: 34650418 PMCID: PMC8505675 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.742373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Techniques of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) of the human primary motor cortex (M1) are widely used in basic and clinical research to induce neural plasticity. The induction of neural plasticity in the M1 may improve motor performance ability in healthy individuals and patients with motor deficit caused by brain disorders. However, several recent studies revealed that various NIBS techniques yield high interindividual variability in the response, and that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genotype (i.e., Val/Val and Met carrier types) may be a factor contributing to this variability. Here, we conducted a systematic review of all published studies that investigated the effects of the BDNF genotype on various forms of NIBS techniques applied to the human M1. The motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes elicited by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which can evaluate M1 excitability, were investigated as the main outcome. A total of 1,827 articles were identified, of which 17 (facilitatory NIBS protocol, 27 data) and 10 (inhibitory NIBS protocol, 14 data) were included in this review. More than two-thirds of the data (70.4–78.6%) on both NIBS protocols did not show a significant genotype effect of NIBS on MEP changes. Conversely, most of the remaining data revealed that the Val/Val type is likely to yield a greater MEP response after NIBS than the Met carrier type in both NIBS protocols (21.4–25.9%). Finally, to aid future investigation, we discuss the potential effect of the BDNF genotype based on mechanisms and methodological issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoki Sasaki
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sho Kojima
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hideaki Onishi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
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40
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Stampanoni Bassi M, Gilio L, Iezzi E, Moscatelli A, Pekmezovic T, Drulovic J, Furlan R, Finardi A, Mandolesi G, Musella A, Galifi G, Fantozzi R, Bellantonio P, Storto M, Centonze D, Buttari F. Age at Disease Onset Associates With Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Impaired Synaptic Plasticity in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:694651. [PMID: 34566620 PMCID: PMC8461180 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.694651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Age at onset is the main risk factor for disease progression in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS). In this cross-sectional study, we explored whether older age is associated with specific disease features involved in the progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA). In 266 patients with RR-MS, the associations between age at onset, clinical characteristics, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of lactate, and that of several inflammatory molecules were analyzed. The long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity was studied using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Older age was associated with a reduced prevalence of both clinical and radiological focal inflammatory disease activity. Older patients showed also increased CSF levels of lactate and that of the pro-inflammatory molecules monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1)/CCL2, macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha (MIP-1α)/CCL3, and interleukin (IL)-8. Finally, TMS evidenced a negative correlation between age and LTP-like plasticity. In newly diagnosed RR-MS, older age at onset is associated with reduced acute disease activity, increased oxidative stress, enhanced central inflammation, and altered synaptic plasticity. Independently of their age, patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) showing similar clinical, immunological, and neurophysiological characteristics may represent ideal candidates for early treatments effective against PIRA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luana Gilio
- Unit of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Ennio Iezzi
- Unit of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moscatelli
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Tatjana Pekmezovic
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Drulovic
- Clinic of Neurology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Roberto Furlan
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Finardi
- Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Georgia Mandolesi
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Musella
- Synaptic Immunopathology Lab, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Galifi
- Unit of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Roberta Fantozzi
- Unit of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Paolo Bellantonio
- Unit of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Marianna Storto
- Unit of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Unit of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Buttari
- Unit of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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Kandić M, Moliadze V, Andoh J, Flor H, Nees F. Brain Circuits Involved in the Development of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Evidence From Non-invasive Brain Stimulation. Front Neurol 2021; 12:732034. [PMID: 34531819 PMCID: PMC8438114 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.732034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been well-documented that the brain changes in states of chronic pain. Less is known about changes in the brain that predict the transition from acute to chronic pain. Evidence from neuroimaging studies suggests a shift from brain regions involved in nociceptive processing to corticostriatal brain regions that are instrumental in the processing of reward and emotional learning in the transition to the chronic state. In addition, dysfunction in descending pain modulatory circuits encompassing the periaqueductal gray and the rostral anterior cingulate cortex may also be a key risk factor for pain chronicity. Although longitudinal imaging studies have revealed potential predictors of pain chronicity, their causal role has not yet been determined. Here we review evidence from studies that involve non-invasive brain stimulation to elucidate to what extent they may help to elucidate the brain circuits involved in pain chronicity. Especially, we focus on studies using non-invasive brain stimulation techniques [e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), particularly its repetitive form (rTMS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)] in the context of musculoskeletal pain chronicity. We focus on the role of the motor cortex because of its known contribution to sensory components of pain via thalamic inhibition, and the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex because of its role on cognitive and affective processing of pain. We will also discuss findings from studies using experimentally induced prolonged pain and studies implicating the DLPFC, which may shed light on the earliest transition phase to chronicity. We propose that combined brain stimulation and imaging studies might further advance mechanistic models of the chronicity process and involved brain circuits. Implications and challenges for translating the research on mechanistic models of the development of chronic pain to clinical practice will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Kandić
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Vera Moliadze
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jamila Andoh
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Herta Flor
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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Lee JH, Lee TL, Kang N. Transcranial direct current stimulation decreased cognition-related reaction time in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 70:101377. [PMID: 34089900 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the cognitive functions of healthy older adults by focusing on the changes in reaction time during cognitive tasks. METHOD A total of 31 studies qualified for this meta-analysis, and we acquired 36 comparisons from the included studies for data synthesis. The individual effect sizes were calculated by comparing the altered reaction time during the performance of a specific cognitive task between the active tDCS and sham groups. In two moderator variable analyses, we examined the potentially different effects of the tDCS protocols on the cognition-related reaction time based on the tDCS protocol used (i.e., online vs. offline tDCS) and the five cognitive domains: (a) perceptual-motor function, (b) learning and memory, (c) executive function / complex attention, (d) language, and (e) social cognition. Meta-regression analyses were conducted to estimate the relationship between demographic and tDCS parameter characteristics and the changes in reaction time. RESULTS The random-effects model meta-analysis revealed significant small effects of tDCS on cognition-related reaction time. Specifically, providing online tDCS significantly reduced the reaction time, and these patterns were observed during learning and memory and executive function / complex attention tasks. However, applying offline tDCS failed to find any significant reduction of reaction time across various cognitive tasks. The meta-regression analysis revealed that the effects of tDCS on the reaction time during the performance of cognitive tasks increased for the older people. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that providing online tDCS may effectively improve the ageing-induced reaction time related to specific cognitive functions of elderly people.
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Age-related changes in motor cortex plasticity assessed with non-invasive brain stimulation: an update and new perspectives. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:2661-2678. [PMID: 34269850 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It is commonly accepted that the brains capacity to change, known as plasticity, declines into old age. Recent studies have used a variety of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques to examine this age-related decline in plasticity in the primary motor cortex (M1), but the effects seem inconsistent and difficult to unravel. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on studies that have used different NIBS techniques to assess M1 plasticity with advancing age and offer some new perspective on NIBS strategies to boost plasticity in the ageing brain. We find that early studies show clear differences in M1 plasticity between young and older adults, but many recent studies with motor training show no decline in use-dependent M1 plasticity with age. For NIBS-induced plasticity in M1, some protocols show more convincing differences with advancing age than others. Therefore, our view from the NIBS literature is that it should not be automatically assumed that M1 plasticity declines with age. Instead, the effects of age are likely to depend on how M1 plasticity is measured, and the characteristics of the elderly population tested. We also suggest that NIBS performed concurrently with motor training is likely to be most effective at producing improvements in M1 plasticity and motor skill learning in older adults. Proposed NIBS techniques for future studies include combining multiple NIBS protocols in a co-stimulation approach, or NIBS strategies to modulate intracortical inhibitory mechanisms, in an effort to more effectively boost M1 plasticity and improve motor skill learning in older adults.
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The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on upper-limb function post-stroke: A meta-analysis of multiple-session studies. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:1897-1918. [PMID: 34157634 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review how patient characteristics and/or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) parameters influence tDCS effectiveness in respect to upper limb function post-stroke. METHODS Three electronic databases were searched for sham-controlled randomised trials using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity as outcome measure. A meta-analysis and nine subgroup-analyses were performed to identify which tDCS parameters yielded the greatest impact on upper limb function recovery in stroke patients. RESULTS Eighteen high-quality studies (507 patients) were included. tDCS applied in a chronic stage yields greater results than tDCS applied in a (sub)acute stage. Additionally, patients with low baseline upper limb impairments seem to benefit more from tDCS than those with high baseline impairments. Regarding tDCS configuration, all stimulation types led to a significant improvement, but only tDCS applied during therapy, and not before therapy, yielded significant results. A positive dose-response relationship was identified for current/charge density and stimulation duration, but not for number of sessions. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that tDCS improves upper limb function post-stroke. However, its effectiveness depends on numerous factors. Especially chronic stroke patients improved, which is promising as they are typically least amenable to recovery. SIGNIFICANCE The current work highlights the importance of several patient-related and protocol-related factors regarding tDCS effectiveness.
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Semmler JG, Opie GM. Boosting brain plasticity in older adults with non-invasive brain co-stimulation. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:1334-1335. [PMID: 33832844 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John G Semmler
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - George M Opie
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Farnad L, Ghasemian-Shirvan E, Mosayebi-Samani M, Kuo MF, Nitsche MA. Exploring and optimizing the neuroplastic effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex of older humans. Brain Stimul 2021; 14:622-634. [PMID: 33798763 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2021.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND tDCS modulates cortical plasticity and has shown potential to improve cognitive/motor functions in healthy young humans. However, age-related alterations of brain structure and functions might require an adaptation of tDCS-parameters to achieve a targeted plasticity effect in older humans and conclusions obtained from young adults might not be directly transferable to older adults. Thus, our study aimed to systematically explore the association between tDCS-parameters and induced aftereffects on motor cortical excitability to determine optimal stimulation protocols for older individuals, as well as to investigate age-related differences of motor cortex plasticity in two different age groups of older adults. METHODS 32 healthy, volunteers from two different age groups of Young-Old (50-65 years, n = 16) and Old-Old (66-80 years, n = 16) participated in this study. Anodal tDCS was applied over the primary motor cortex, with respective combinations of three intensities (1, 2, and 3 mA) and durations (15, 20, and 30 min), in a sham-controlled cross-over design. Cortical excitability alterations were monitored by single-pulse TMS-induced MEPs until the next day morning after stimulation. RESULTS All active stimulation conditions resulted in a significant enhancement of motor cortical excitability in both age groups. The facilitatory aftereffects of anodal tDCS did not significantly differ between age groups. We observed prolonged plasticity in the late-phase range for two protocols with the highest stimulation intensity (i.e., 3 mA-20 min, 3 mA-30 min). CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the role of stimulation dosage in tDCS-induced neuroplastic aftereffects in the motor cortex of healthy older adults and delivers crucial information about optimized tDCS protocols in the domain of the primary motor cortex. Our findings might set the grounds for the development of optimal stimulation protocols to reinstate neuroplasticity in different cortical areas and induce long-lasting, functionally relevant plasticity in normal aging and in pathological conditions, which would require however systematic tDCS titration studies over respective target areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Farnad
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ensiyeh Ghasemian-Shirvan
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany; International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mohsen Mosayebi-Samani
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Min-Fang Kuo
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany.
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The impact of individual electrical fields and anatomical factors on the neurophysiological outcomes of tDCS: A TMS-MEP and MRI study. Brain Stimul 2021; 14:316-326. [PMID: 33516860 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a neuromodulatory non-invasive brain stimulation technique, has shown promising results in basic and clinical studies. The known interindividual variability of the effects, however, limits the efficacy of the technique. Recently we reported neurophysiological effects of tDCS applied over the primary motor cortex at the group level, based on data from twenty-nine participants who received 15min of either sham, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 mA anodal, or cathodal tDCS. The neurophysiological effects were evaluated via changes in: 1) transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor evoked potentials (MEP), and 2) cerebral blood flow (CBF) measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) via arterial spin labeling (ASL). At the group level, dose-dependent effects of the intervention were obtained, which however displayed interindividual variability. METHOD In the present study, we investigated the cause of the observed inter-individual variability. To this end, for each participant, a MRI-based realistic head model was designed to 1) calculate anatomical factors and 2) simulate the tDCS- and TMS-induced electrical fields (EFs). We first investigated at the regional level which individual anatomical factors explained the simulated EFs (magnitude and normal component). Then, we explored which specific anatomical and/or EF factors predicted the neurophysiological outcomes of tDCS. RESULTS The results highlight a significant negative correlation between regional electrode-to-cortex distance (rECD) as well as regional CSF (rCSF) thickness, and the individual EF characteristics. In addition, while both rCSF thickness and rECD anticorrelated with tDCS-induced physiological changes, EFs positively correlated with the effects. CONCLUSION These results provide novel insights into the dependency of the neuromodulatory effects of tDCS on individual physical factors.
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