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Prabhu NM, Lehmann N, Kaminski E, Müller N, Taubert M. Online stimulation of the prefrontal cortex during practice increases motor variability and modulates later cognitive transfer: a randomized, double-blinded and sham-controlled tDCS study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20162. [PMID: 39215020 PMCID: PMC11364672 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70857-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The benefits of learning a motor skill extend to improved task-specific cognitive abilities. The mechanistic underpinnings of this motor-cognition relationship potentially rely on overlapping neural resources involved in both processes, an assumption lacking causal evidence. We hypothesize that interfering with prefrontal networks would inhibit concurrent motor skill performance, long-term learning and associated cognitive functions dependent on similar networks (transfer). We conducted a randomised, double-blinded, sham-controlled brain stimulation study using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in young adults spanning over three weeks to assess the role of the prefrontal regions in learning a complex balance task and long-term cognitive performance. Balance training combined with active tDCS led to higher performance variability in the trained task as compared to the sham group, impacting the process of learning a complex task without affecting the learning rate. Furthermore, active tDCS also positively influenced performance in untrained motor and cognitive tasks. The findings of this study help ascertaining the networks directly involved in learning a complex motor task and its implications on cognitive function. Hence, opening up the possibility of harnessing the observed frontal networks involved in resource mobilization in instances of aging, brain lesion/injury or dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Maria Prabhu
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Sport Science, Institute III, Otto von Guericke University, Zschokkestraße 32, 39104, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Nico Lehmann
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Sport Science, Institute III, Otto von Guericke University, Zschokkestraße 32, 39104, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstraße 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kaminski
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstraße 1a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Movement Neuroscience, Faculty of Sport Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Notger Müller
- Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group Degenerative and Chronic Diseases, Movement, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Am Mühlenberg 9, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Neuroprotection Lab, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marco Taubert
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Sport Science, Institute III, Otto von Guericke University, Zschokkestraße 32, 39104, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS), Otto von Guericke University, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Kaminski E, Maudrich T, Bassler P, Ordnung M, Villringer A, Ragert P. tDCS over the primary motor cortex contralateral to the trained hand enhances cross-limb transfer in older adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:935781. [PMID: 36204550 PMCID: PMC9530461 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.935781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transferring a unimanual motor skill to the untrained hand, a phenomenon known as cross-limb transfer, was shown to deteriorate as a function of age. While transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) ipsilateral to the trained hand facilitated cross-limb transfer in older adults, little is known about the contribution of the contralateral hemisphere to cross-limb transfer. In the present study, we investigated whether tDCS facilitates cross-limb transfer in older adults when applied over the motor cortex (M1) contralateral to the trained hand. Furthermore, the study aimed at investigating short-term recovery of tDCS-associated cross-limb transfer. In a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled setting, 30 older adults (67.0 ± 4.6 years, 15 female) performed a short grooved-pegboard training using their left hand, while anodal (a-tDCS) or sham-tDCS (s-tDCS) was applied over right M1 for 20 min. Left (LHtrained) - and right-hand (RHuntrained) performance was tested before and after training and in three recovery measures 15, 30 and 45 min after training. LHtrained performance improved during both a-tDCS and s-tDCS and improvements persisted during recovery measures for at least 45 min. RHuntrained performance improved only following a-tDCS but not after s-tDCS and outlasted the stimulation period for at least 45 min. Together, these data indicate that tDCS over the M1 contralateral to the trained limb is capable of enhancing cross-limb transfer in older adults, thus showing that cross-limb transfer is mediated not only by increased bi-hemispheric activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kaminski
- Department of Movement Neuroscience, Faculty of Sport Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Elisabeth Kaminski,
| | - Tom Maudrich
- Department of Movement Neuroscience, Faculty of Sport Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Pauline Bassler
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Madeleine Ordnung
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Pediatric Epidemiology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Ragert
- Department of Movement Neuroscience, Faculty of Sport Science, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
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The effects of concurrent bilateral anodal tDCS of primary motor cortex and cerebellum on corticospinal excitability: a randomized, double-blind sham-controlled study. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:2395-2408. [PMID: 35984496 PMCID: PMC9418272 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02533-7] [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: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor cortex (M1), and cerebellum (CB) can change the level of M1 corticospinal excitability (CSE). A randomized double-blinded crossover, the sham-controlled study design was used to investigate the effects of concurrent bilateral anodal tDCS of M1 and CB (concurrent bilateral a-tDCSM1+CB) on the CSE. Twenty-one healthy participants were recruited in this study. Each participant received anodal-tDCS (a-tDCS) of 2 mA, 20 min in four pseudo-randomized, counterbalanced sessions, separated by at least 7 days (7.11 days ± 0.65). These sessions were bilateral M1 stimulation (bilateral a-tDCSM1), bilateral cerebellar stimulation (bilateral a-tDCSCB), concurrent bilateral a-tDCSM1+CB, and sham stimulation (bilateral a-tDCSSham). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was delivered over the left M1, and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of a contralateral hand muscle were recorded before and immediately after the intervention to measure CSE changes. Short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), and long interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) were assessed with paired-pulse TMS protocols. Anodal-tDCS significantly increased CSE after concurrent bilateral a-tDCSM1+CB and bilateral a-tDCSCB. Interestingly, CSE was decreased after bilateral a-tDCSM1. Respective alterations in SICI, LICI, and ICF were seen, including increased SICI and decreased ICF, which indicate the involvement of glutamatergic and GABAergic systems in these effects. These results confirm that the concurrent bilateral a-tDCSM1+CB have a facilitatory effect on CSE, whereas bilateral a-tDCSM1 exert some inhibitory effects. Moreover, the effects of the 2 mA, 20 min a-tDCS on the CB were consistent with its effects on the M1.
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Hooyman A, Garbin A, Fisher BE, Kutch JJ, Winstein CJ. Paired associative stimulation applied to the cortex can increase resting-state functional connectivity: A proof of principle study. Neurosci Lett 2022; 784:136753. [PMID: 35753613 PMCID: PMC10035603 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136753] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is emerging evidence that high Beta coherence (hBc) between prefrontal and motor corticies, measured with resting-state electroencephalography (rs-EEG), can be an accurate predictor of motor skill learning and stroke recovery. However, it remains unknown whether and how intracortical connectivity may be influenced using neuromodulation. Therefore, a cortico-cortico PAS (ccPAS) paradigm may be used to increase resting-state intracortical connectivity (rs-IC) within a targeted neural circuit. PURPOSE Our purpose is to demonstrate proof of principle that ccPAS can be used to increase rs-IC between a prefrontal and motor cortical region. METHODS Eleven non-disabled adults were recruited (mean age 26.4, sd 5.6, 5 female). Each participant underwent a double baseline measurement, followed by a real and control ccPAS condition, counter-balanced for order. Control and ccPAS conditions were performed over electrodes of the right prefrontal and motor cortex. Both ccPAS conditions were identical apart from the inter-stimulus interval (i.e ISI 5 ms: real ccPAS and 500 ms: control ccPAS). Whole brain rs-EEG of high Beta coherence (hBc) was acquired before and after each ccPAS condition and then analyzed for changes in rs-IC along the targeted circuit. RESULTS Compared to ccPAS500 and baseline, ccPAS5 induced a significant increase in rs-IC, measured as coherence between electrodes over right prefrontal and motor cortex, (p <.05). CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate proof of principle that ccPAS with an STDP derived ISI, can effectively increase hBc along a targeted circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hooyman
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Alexander Garbin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Beth E Fisher
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason J Kutch
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carolee J Winstein
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Muffel T, Shih PC, Kalloch B, Nikulin V, Villringer A, Sehm B. Differential effects of anodal and dual tDCS on sensorimotor functions in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:509-522. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Behrangrad S, Zoghi M, Kidgell D, Jaberzadeh S. The Effect of a Single Session of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation on Balance in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Best Evidence Synthesis. Brain Connect 2021; 11:695-716. [PMID: 33798002 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2020.0872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the effects of a single session of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on postural balance. Introduction: The NIBS has been used widely in improving balance. However, the effect of a single session of NIBS on balance in healthy individuals has not been systemically reviewed. Methods: A systematic literature review and best evidence synthesis were conducted, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, to determine the effects of different NIBS techniques on balance function in healthy individuals. The methodological quality of included articles was assessed by the risk of bias, and the Downs and Black tool. Data were analyzed by using the best evidence synthesis. Thirty-five articles were included that used the following NIBS techniques: anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS), cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (c-tDCS), continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on primary motor cortex (M1), supplementary motor area (SMA), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and cerebellum on balance. Results: Strong evidence showed that a-tDCS of M1, SMA improve balance in healthy participants, and the a-tDCS of DLPFC induces improvement only in dual task balance indices. Also, the findings indicate that cerebellar a-tDCS might significantly improve balance, if at least 10 min cerebellar a-tDCS with an intensity of ≥1 mA, over or maximum 1.5 cm below the inion, is used. Strong evidence showed that c-tDCS, cTBS, and rTMS are not effective on the balance. Conclusion: According to the results, the a-tDCS may be a useful technique to improve balance in healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Behrangrad
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maryam Zoghi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Sport, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Dawson Kidgell
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shapour Jaberzadeh
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Rauscher M, Yavari F, Batsikadze G, Ludolph N, Ilg W, Nitsche MA, Timmann D, Steiner KM. Lack of cerebellar tDCS effects on learning of a complex whole body dynamic balance task in middle-aged (50-65 years) adults. Neurol Res Pract 2020; 2:38. [PMID: 33324938 PMCID: PMC7650141 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-020-00085-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is widely considered as a promising non-invasive tool to foster motor performance and learning in health and disease. The results of previous studies, however, are inconsistent. Our group failed to provide evidence for an effect of cerebellar tDCS on learning of a complex whole body dynamic balance task in young and healthy participants. Ceiling effects in the young study population are one possible explanation for the negative findings. Methods In the present study, we therefore tested 40 middle-aged healthy participants between the ages of 50 to 65 years. Participants received either anodal or sham cerebellar tDCS using a double-blinded study design while performing a balance task on a Lafayette Instrument 16,030 stability platform®. Mean platform angle and mean balance time were assessed as outcome measures. Results Significant learning effects were found in all participants. Balancing performance and learning rate was significantly less in the group of middle-aged adults compared to our previous group of young adults. No significant effects of cerebellar tDCS were observed. Conclusions Our findings are in line with other studies that have failed to prove robust effects of cerebellar tDCS on motor learning. The present findings, however, do not exclude cerebellar tDCS effects. tDCS effects may be more prominent after repeated stimulation, using other stimulus parameters, in patient populations, or in other motor learning tasks. Trial registration Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rauscher
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - F Yavari
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - G Batsikadze
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - N Ludolph
- Cognitive Neurology, Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - W Ilg
- Cognitive Neurology, Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - M 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
| | - D Timmann
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - K M Steiner
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Steiner KM, Thier W, Batsikadze G, Ludolph N, Ilg W, Timmann D. Lack of effects of a single session of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in a dynamic balance task. J Neurol 2020; 267:1206-1208. [PMID: 32006157 PMCID: PMC7109173 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-09712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K M Steiner
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - W Thier
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - G Batsikadze
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - N Ludolph
- Cognitive Neurology, Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - W Ilg
- Cognitive Neurology, Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - D Timmann
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
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Lehmann N, Tolentino‐Castro JW, Kaminski E, Ragert P, Villringer A, Taubert M. Interindividual differences in gray and white matter properties are associated with early complex motor skill acquisition. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:4316-4330. [PMID: 31264300 PMCID: PMC6865641 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain circuits mediate but also constrain experience-induced plasticity and corresponding behavioral changes. Here we tested whether interindividual behavioral differences in learning a challenging new motor skill correlate with variations in brain anatomy. Young, healthy participants were scanned using structural magnetic resonance imaging (T1-weighted MPRAGE, n = 75 and/or diffusion-weighted MRI, n = 59) and practiced a complex whole-body balancing task on a seesaw-like platform. Using conjunction tests based on the nonparametric combination (NPC) methodology, we found that gray matter volume (GMV) in the right orbitrofrontal cortex was positively related to the subjects' initial level of proficiency and their ability to improve performance during practice. Similarly, we obtained a strong trend toward a positive correlation between baseline fractional anisotropy (FA) in commissural prefrontal fiber pathways and later motor learning. FA results were influenced more strongly by radial than axial diffusivity. However, we did not find unique anatomical correlates of initial performance and learning to rate. Our findings reveal structural predispositions for successful motor skill performance and acquisition in frontal brain structures and underlying frontal white matter tracts. Together with previous results, these findings support the view that structural constraints imposed by the brain determine subsequent behavioral success and underline the importance of structural brain network constitution before learning starts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Lehmann
- Department of NeurologyMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
- Movement and Sport Sciences, Department of MedicineUniversity of FribourgFribourgSwitzerland
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute III, Department of Sport ScienceOtto von Guericke UniversityMagdeburgGermany
| | - J. Walter Tolentino‐Castro
- Department of Movement ScienceUniversity of MünsterMünsterGermany
- Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Elisabeth Kaminski
- Department of NeurologyMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
- Applied GeropsychologyChemnitz University of TechnologyChemnitzGermany
| | - Patrick Ragert
- Department of NeurologyMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
- Faculty of Sport ScienceInstitute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Leipzig UniversityLeipzigGermany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Department of NeurologyMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
- Mind and Brain InstituteCharité and Humboldt UniversityBerlinGermany
| | - Marco Taubert
- Department of NeurologyMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute III, Department of Sport ScienceOtto von Guericke UniversityMagdeburgGermany
- Center for Behavioral and Brain Science (CBBS)Otto von Guericke UniversityMagdeburgGermany
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Muffel T, Kirsch F, Shih PC, Kalloch B, Schaumberg S, Villringer A, Sehm B. Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over S1 Differentially Modulates Proprioceptive Accuracy in Young and Old Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:264. [PMID: 31611782 PMCID: PMC6775783 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprioception is a prerequisite for successful motor control but declines throughout the lifespan. Brain stimulation techniques such as anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) are capable of enhancing sensorimotor performance across different tasks and age groups. Despite such growing evidence for a restorative potential of tDCS, its impact on proprioceptive accuracy has not been studied in detail yet. OBJECTIVE This study investigated online effects of a-tDCS over S1 on proprioceptive accuracy in young (YA) and old healthy adults (OA). METHODS The effect of 15 min of a-tDCS vs. sham on proprioceptive accuracy was assessed in a cross-over, double blind experiment in both age groups. Performance changes were tested using an arm position matching task in a robotic environment. Electrical field (EF) strengths in the target area S1 and control areas were assessed based on individualized simulations. RESULTS a-tDCS elicited differential changes in proprioceptive accuracy and EF strengths in the two groups: while YA showed a slight improvement, OA exhibited a decrease in performance during a-tDCS. Stronger EF were induced in target S1 and control areas in the YA group. However, no relationship between EF strength and performance change was found. CONCLUSION a-tDCS over S1 elicits opposing effects on proprioceptive accuracy as a function of age, a result that is important for future studies investigating the restorative potential of a-tDCS in healthy aging and in the rehabilitation of neurological diseases that occur at advanced age. Modeling approaches could help elucidate the relationship between tDCS protocols, brain structure and performance modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Muffel
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Day Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Mind Brain Body Institute, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Kirsch
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Pei-Cheng Shih
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kalloch
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Faculty of Computer Science and Media, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sara Schaumberg
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Day Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Mind Brain Body Institute, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bernhard Sehm
- Neuroplasticity and Motor Recovery Group, Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Day Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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de Moura MCDS, Hazime FA, Marotti Aparicio LV, Grecco LAC, Brunoni AR, Hasue RH. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on balance improvement: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Somatosens Mot Res 2019; 36:122-135. [PMID: 31181963 DOI: 10.1080/08990220.2019.1624517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool to improve balance and optimize rehabilitation strategies. However, current literature shows the methodological heterogeneity of tDCS protocols and results, hindering any clear conclusions about the effects of tDCS on postural control. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of tDCS on postural control, and identify the most beneficial target brain areas and the effect on different populations. Methods: Two independent reviewers selected randomized tDCS clinical-trials studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and reference lists of retrieved articles published between 1998 and 2017. Most frequently reported centre of pressure (COP) variables were selected for meta-analysis. Other postural control outcomes were discussed in the review. Results: Thirty studies were included in the systematic review, and 11 were submitted to a meta-analysis. A reduction of COP displacement area has been significantly achieved by tDCS, evidencing an improvement in balance control. Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy young adults are mostly affected by stimulation. The analysis of the impact of tDCS over different brain areas revealed a significant effect after primary motor cortex (M1) stimulation, however, with no clear results after cerebellar stimulation due to divergent results among studies. Conclusions: tDCS appears to improve balance control, more evident in healthy and CP subjects. Effects are observed when primary MI is stimulated. Cerebellar stimulation should be better investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Clara D Soares de Moura
- a Department of Physical Therapy, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Fuad A Hazime
- b Department of Physical Therapy , Federal University of Piauí , Piauí , Brazil
| | - Luana V Marotti Aparicio
- c Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27) and National Institute of Biomarkers in Psychiatry (INBioN), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital of Clinics, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | | | - André R Brunoni
- c Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27) and National Institute of Biomarkers in Psychiatry (INBioN), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital of Clinics, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil.,e Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Ludwig-Maximilians-University , Munich , Germany
| | - Renata Hydeé Hasue
- a Department of Physical Therapy, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine , University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
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12
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Sobierajewicz J, Jaśkowski W, Van der Lubbe RHJ. Does Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Affect the Learning of a Fine Sequential Hand Motor Skill with Motor Imagery? J Mot Behav 2018; 51:451-465. [PMID: 30240335 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2018.1513395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Learning a fine sequential hand motor skill, like playing the piano or learning to type, improves not only due to physical practice, but also due to motor imagery. Previous studies revealed that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and motor imagery independently affect motor learning. In the present study, we investigated whether tDCS combined with motor imagery above the primary motor cortex influences sequence-specific learning. Four groups of participants were involved: an anodal, cathodal, sham stimulation, and a control group (without stimulation). A modified discrete sequence production (DSP) task was employed: the Go/NoGo DSP task. After a sequence of spatial cues, a response sequence had to be either executed, imagined, or withheld. This task allows to estimate both non-specific learning and sequence-specific learning effects by comparing the execution of unfamiliar sequences, familiar imagined, familiar withheld, and familiar executed sequences in a test phase. Results showed that the effects of anodal tDCS were already developing during the practice phase, while no effects of tDCS on sequence-specific learning were visible during the test phase. Results clearly showed that motor imagery itself influences sequence learning, but we also revealed that tDCS does not increase the influence of motor imagery on sequence learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagna Sobierajewicz
- a Laboratory of Vision Science and Optometry, Faculty of Physics , Adam Mickiewicz University , Poznan , Poland .,b Vision and Neuroscience Laboratory , NanoBioMedical Centre, Adam Mickiewicz University , Poznan , Poland
| | - Wojciech Jaśkowski
- c Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology , Poznan , Poland
| | - Rob H J Van der Lubbe
- a Laboratory of Vision Science and Optometry, Faculty of Physics , Adam Mickiewicz University , Poznan , Poland .,d Cognitive Psychology and Ergonomics , University of Twente , Enschede , The Netherlands
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13
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Dayan E, Herszage J, Laor-Maayany R, Sharon H, Censor N. Neuromodulation of reinforced skill learning reveals the causal function of prefrontal cortex. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 39:4724-4732. [PMID: 30043536 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has suggested functional interactions between prefrontal cortex (PFC) and dissociable large-scale networks. However, how these networks interact in the human brain to enable complex behaviors is not well-understood. Here, using a combination of behavioral, brain stimulation and neuroimaging paradigms, we tested the hypothesis that human PFC is required for successful reinforced skill formation. We additionally tested the extent to which PFC-dependent skill formation is related to intrinsic functional communication with this region. We report that inhibitory noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation over lateral PFC, a hub region with a diverse connectivity profile, causally modulated effective reinforcement-based motor skill acquisition. Furthermore, PFC-dependent skill formation was strongly related to the strength of functional connectivity between the PFC and regions in the sensorimotor network. These results point to the involvement of lateral PFC in the neural architecture that underlies the acquisition of complex skills, and suggest that, in relation to skill acquisition, this region may be involved in functional interactions with sensorimotor networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Dayan
- Department of Radiology, Biomedical Research Imaging Center and Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jasmine Herszage
- School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rony Laor-Maayany
- School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Haggai Sharon
- Center for Brain Functions and Institute of Pain Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nitzan Censor
- School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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14
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Lopez-Alonso V, Liew SL, Fernández Del Olmo M, Cheeran B, Sandrini M, Abe M, Cohen LG. A Preliminary Comparison of Motor Learning Across Different Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Paradigms Shows No Consistent Modulations. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:253. [PMID: 29740271 PMCID: PMC5924807 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been widely explored as a way to safely modulate brain activity and alter human performance for nearly three decades. Research using NIBS has grown exponentially within the last decade with promising results across a variety of clinical and healthy populations. However, recent work has shown high inter-individual variability and a lack of reproducibility of previous results. Here, we conducted a small preliminary study to explore the effects of three of the most commonly used excitatory NIBS paradigms over the primary motor cortex (M1) on motor learning (Sequential Visuomotor Isometric Pinch Force Tracking Task) and secondarily relate changes in motor learning to changes in cortical excitability (MEP amplitude and SICI). We compared anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), paired associative stimulation (PAS25), and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), along with a sham tDCS control condition. Stimulation was applied prior to motor learning. Participants (n = 28) were randomized into one of the four groups and were trained on a skilled motor task. Motor learning was measured immediately after training (online), 1 day after training (consolidation), and 1 week after training (retention). We did not find consistent differential effects on motor learning or cortical excitability across groups. Within the boundaries of our small sample sizes, we then assessed effect sizes across the NIBS groups that could help power future studies. These results, which require replication with larger samples, are consistent with previous reports of small and variable effect sizes of these interventions on motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Lopez-Alonso
- Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, "Center of Higher Education Alberta Giménez (CESAG)" Comillas Pontifical University, Palma, Spain.,Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Sciences of Sport and Physical Education, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Sook-Lei Liew
- Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Departments of Occupational Therapy, Biokinesiology, and Neurology, Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Miguel Fernández Del Olmo
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Sciences of Sport and Physical Education, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Binith Cheeran
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom.,The London Clinic, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Sandrini
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mitsunari Abe
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Neurological Disorders, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Leonardo G Cohen
- Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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15
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Saruco E, Di Rienzo F, Nunez-Nagy S, Rubio-Gonzalez MA, Jackson PL, Collet C, Saimpont A, Guillot A. Anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex improves motor imagery benefits on postural control: A pilot study. Sci Rep 2017; 7:480. [PMID: 28352100 PMCID: PMC5428691 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00509-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Performing everyday actions requires fine postural control, which is a major focus of functional rehabilitation programs. Among the various range of training methods likely to improve balance and postural stability, motor imagery practice (MIP) yielded promising results. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the primary motor cortex was also found to potentiate the benefits of MIP on upper-limb motor tasks. Yet, combining both techniques has not been tested for tasks requiring fine postural control. To determine the impact of MIP and the additional effects of tDCS, 14 participants performed a postural control task before and after two experimental (MIP + anodal or sham tDCS over the primary motor cortex) and one control (control task + sham tDCS) conditions, in a double blind randomized study. Data revealed a significant decrease of the time required to perform the postural task. Greater performance gains were recorded when MIP was paired with anodal tDCS and when the task involved the most complex postural adjustments. Altogether, findings highlight short-term effects of MIP on postural control and suggest that combining MIP with tDCS might also be effective in rehabilitation programs for regaining postural skills in easily fatigable persons and neurologic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Saruco
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (EA 7424, LIBM), F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Franck Di Rienzo
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (EA 7424, LIBM), F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Susana Nunez-Nagy
- Universidad de Alcalá, Unidad de Fisioterapia. Campus Universitario, Ctra. Madrid Barcelona, 28801, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Rubio-Gonzalez
- Facultad de Ciencias, UNED, Departamento Automática e Informática, Paseo Senda del Rey 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Philip L Jackson
- Université Laval, École de Psychologie, Ville de Québec, Québec, Canada.,Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Réadaptation et Intégration Sociale, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Collet
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (EA 7424, LIBM), F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Arnaud Saimpont
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (EA 7424, LIBM), F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Aymeric Guillot
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité (EA 7424, LIBM), F-69622, Villeurbanne, France. .,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
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16
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Kaminski E, Hoff M, Rjosk V, Steele CJ, Gundlach C, Sehm B, Villringer A, Ragert P. Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Does Not Facilitate Dynamic Balance Task Learning in Healthy Old Adults. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:16. [PMID: 28197085 PMCID: PMC5281631 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Older adults frequently experience a decrease in balance control that leads to increased numbers of falls, injuries and hospitalization. Therefore, evaluating older adults’ ability to maintain balance and examining new approaches to counteract age-related decline in balance control is of great importance for fall prevention and healthy aging. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have been shown to beneficially influence motor behavior and motor learning. In the present study, we investigated the influence of tDCS applied over the leg area of the primary motor cortex (M1) on balance task learning of healthy elderly in a dynamic balance task (DBT). In total, 30 older adults were enrolled in a cross-sectional, randomized design including two consecutive DBT training sessions. Only during the first DBT session, either 20 min of anodal tDCS (a-tDCS) or sham tDCS (s-tDCS) were applied and learning improvement was compared between the two groups. Our data showed that both groups successfully learned to perform the DBT on both training sessions. Interestingly, between-group analyses revealed no difference between the a-tDCS and the s-tDCS group regarding their level of task learning. These results indicate that the concurrent application of tDCS over M1 leg area did not elicit DBT learning enhancement in our study cohort. However, a regression analysis revealed that DBT performance can be predicted by the kinematic profile of the movement, a finding that may provide new insights for individualized approaches of treating balance and gait disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kaminski
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maike Hoff
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Leipzig, Germany
| | - Viola Rjosk
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christopher J Steele
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzig, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health Institute, McGill UniversityMontreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher Gundlach
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzig, Germany; Faculty of Psychology, Department of Experimental Psychology and Methods, University of LeipzigLeipzig, Germany
| | - Bernhard Sehm
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzig, Germany; Mind and Brain Institute, Charité and Humboldt UniversityBerlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Ragert
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzig, Germany; Faculty of Sport Science, Institute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, University of LeipzigLeipzig, Germany
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17
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Ammann C, Spampinato D, Márquez-Ruiz J. Modulating Motor Learning through Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation: An Integrative View. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1981. [PMID: 28066300 PMCID: PMC5179543 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor learning consists of the ability to improve motor actions through practice playing a major role in the acquisition of skills required for high-performance sports or motor function recovery after brain lesions. During the last decades, it has been reported that transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), consisting in applying weak direct current through the scalp, is able of inducing polarity-specific changes in the excitability of cortical neurons. This low-cost, painless and well-tolerated portable technique has found a wide-spread use in the motor learning domain where it has been successfully applied to enhance motor learning in healthy individuals and for motor recovery after brain lesion as well as in pathological states associated to motor deficits. The main objective of this mini-review is to offer an integrative view about the potential use of tDCS for human motor learning modulation. Furthermore, we introduce the basic mechanisms underlying immediate and long-term effects associated to tDCS along with important considerations about its limitations and progression in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ammann
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins Medical Institution Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Danny Spampinato
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins Medical Institution Baltimore, MD, USA
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18
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Cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the posterior parietal cortex reduces steady-state postural stability during the effect of light touch. Neuroreport 2016; 27:1050-5. [DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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19
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Steiner KM, Enders A, Thier W, Batsikadze G, Ludolph N, Ilg W, Timmann D. Cerebellar tDCS Does Not Improve Learning in a Complex Whole Body Dynamic Balance Task in Young Healthy Subjects. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163598. [PMID: 27669151 PMCID: PMC5036893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the cerebellum is of increasing interest as a non-invasive technique to modulate motor performance and learning in health and disease. Previous studies have shown that cerebellar tDCS facilitates reach adaptation and associative motor learning in healthy subjects. In the present study it was tested whether cerebellar tDCS improves learning of a complex whole body motor skill. Because this task involves learning of posture and balance likely including learning of a new motor sequence and cognitive strategies, cerebellar tDCS was applied over midline cerebellar structures and the posterolateral cerebellar hemispheres. 30 young and healthy subjects performed two days of balance training on a Lafayette Instrument 16030 stability platform®. Participants received either anodal, cathodal or sham cerebellar tDCS during training on day 1. The cerebellar electrode (7 cm width by 5 cm height) was centered 2 cm below the inion. Mean platform angle deviation and mean balance time were assessed. All subjects showed significant effects of learning. Learning rate was not different between the three modes of stimulation neither on day 1 nor on day 2. Cerebellar tDCS did not facilitate learning of a complex whole body dynamic balance task in young and healthy subjects. tDCS effects, however, may have been missed because of the small group size. Furthermore, it cannot be excluded that young and healthy subjects learned and performed already at a near optimal level with little room for further improvement. Future work has to evaluate potential benefits of cerebellar tDCS in elderly subjects and subjects with cerebellar deficits, whose motor control and motor learning network is not optimally tuned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Marie Steiner
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Anne Enders
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Thier
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Giorgi Batsikadze
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Ludolph
- Cognitive Neurology, Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Winfried Ilg
- Cognitive Neurology, Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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20
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Manuel AL, Schnider A. Effect of prefrontal and parietal tDCS on learning and recognition of verbal and non-verbal material. Clin Neurophysiol 2016; 127:2592-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over primary motor cortex leg area promotes dynamic balance task performance. Clin Neurophysiol 2016; 127:2455-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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22
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Taubert M, Stein T, Kreutzberg T, Stockinger C, Hecker L, Focke A, Ragert P, Villringer A, Pleger B. Remote Effects of Non-Invasive Cerebellar Stimulation on Error Processing in Motor Re-Learning. Brain Stimul 2016; 9:692-699. [PMID: 27157059 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While concurrent transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) affects motor memory acquisition and long-term retention, it is unclear how behavioral interference modulates long-term tDCS effects. Behavioral interference can be introduced through a secondary task learned in-between motor memory acquisition and later recall of the original task. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS The cerebellum is important for the processing of errors if movements should be adapted to external perturbations (motor memory acquisition). We hypothesized that concurrent cerebellar tDCS during adaptation influences both memory acquisition and re-acquisition if motor errors are enlarged due to behavioral interference. METHODS In a sham-controlled and double-blinded study, we applied anodal and cathodal tDCS to the ipsilateral cerebellum while subjects adapted reaching movements to an external, clockwise force field perturbation (acquisition task A) with their dominant right arm. Behavioral interference by an oppositely oriented, counter-clockwise perturbation (secondary task B) was introduced in between the acquisition and re-acquisition (24 h later) sessions. RESULTS Learning task B disrupted memory retention of A and re-increased motor errors in the re-acquisition session. Anodal but not sham or cathodal tDCS impaired motor memory acquisition and, additionally, increased motor errors during re-acquisition of the original motor memory. CONCLUSION(S) Behavioral interference disrupted motor memory retention but tDCS delivered online during memory acquisition induced lasting and robust effects on re-acquisition performance one day later. Our data also suggest different error-processing mechanisms at work during motor memory acquisition and re-acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Taubert
- Department of Neurology, Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Thorsten Stein
- YIG "Computational Motor Control and Learning", BioMotion Center, Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Tommy Kreutzberg
- Department of Neurology, Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Stockinger
- YIG "Computational Motor Control and Learning", BioMotion Center, Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Lukas Hecker
- Department of Neurology, Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anne Focke
- YIG "Computational Motor Control and Learning", BioMotion Center, Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Patrick Ragert
- Institute of General Kinesiology and Athletics Training, University of Leipzig, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Department of Neurology, Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Burkhard Pleger
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany
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23
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Rocha S, Silva E, Foerster Á, Wiesiolek C, Chagas AP, Machado G, Baltar A, Monte-Silva K. The impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on upper limb function in chronic stroke: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Disabil Rehabil 2015; 38:653-60. [DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1055382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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24
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Schaal NK, Javadi AH, Halpern AR, Pollok B, Banissy MJ. Right parietal cortex mediates recognition memory for melodies. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 42:1660-6. [PMID: 25959620 PMCID: PMC4737257 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Functional brain imaging studies have highlighted the significance of right‐lateralized temporal, frontal and parietal brain areas for memory for melodies. The present study investigated the involvement of bilateral posterior parietal cortices (PPCs) for the recognition memory of melodies using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Participants performed a recognition task before and after tDCS. The task included an encoding phase (12 melodies), a retention period, as well as a recognition phase (24 melodies). Experiment 1 revealed that anodal tDCS over the right PPC led to a deterioration of overall memory performance compared with sham. Experiment 2 confirmed the results of Experiment 1 and further showed that anodal tDCS over the left PPC did not show a modulatory effect on memory task performance, indicating a right lateralization for musical memory. Furthermore, both experiments revealed that the decline in memory for melodies can be traced back to an interference of anodal stimulation on the recollection process (remember judgements) rather than to familiarity judgements. Taken together, this study revealed a causal involvement of the right PPC for memory for melodies and demonstrated a key role for this brain region in the recollection process of the memory task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora K Schaal
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Amir-Homayoun Javadi
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea R Halpern
- Department of Psychology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, USA
| | - Bettina Pollok
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael J Banissy
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, SE14 6NW, UK.,Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
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25
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Montenegro R, Okano A, Gurgel J, Porto F, Cunha F, Massaferri R, Farinatti P. Motor cortex tDCS does not improve strength performance in healthy subjects. MOTRIZ: REVISTA DE EDUCACAO FISICA 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/s1980-65742015000200009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) upon maximal strength performance in exercises recruiting large muscle mass has not been established in healthy populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether anodal tDCS was able to increase the performance during maximal strength exercise (MSEX) in healthy subjects. Fourteen volunteers (age: 26 ± 4 yrs) performed two MSEX after anodal or sham tDCS (2mA; 20min prior MSEX), involving knee extensors and flexors in concentric isokinetic muscle actions of the dominant limb (3 sets of 10 repetitions). The electrical muscle activity (sEMG) of four recruited muscles was recorded during MSEX. Anodal tDCS was not able to improve force production (i.e., total work and peak torque), fatigue resistance, or electromyographic activity during MSEX when compared to sham condition. In conclusion, anodal tDCS applied upon the contralateral motor cortex was not capable of increasing the strength performance of knee extensors and flexors in young healthy subjects.
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Matsushita R, Andoh J, Zatorre RJ. Polarity-specific transcranial direct current stimulation disrupts auditory pitch learning. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:174. [PMID: 26041982 PMCID: PMC4434966 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is attracting increasing interest because of its potential for therapeutic use. While its effects have been investigated mainly with motor and visual tasks, less is known in the auditory domain. Past tDCS studies with auditory tasks demonstrated various behavioral outcomes, possibly due to differences in stimulation parameters, task-induced brain activity, or task measurements used in each study. Further research, using well-validated tasks is therefore required for clarification of behavioral effects of tDCS on the auditory system. Here, we took advantage of findings from a prior functional magnetic resonance imaging study, which demonstrated that the right auditory cortex is modulated during fine-grained pitch learning of microtonal melodic patterns. Targeting the right auditory cortex with tDCS using this same task thus allowed us to test the hypothesis that this region is causally involved in pitch learning. Participants in the current study were trained for 3 days while we measured pitch discrimination thresholds using microtonal melodies on each day using a psychophysical staircase procedure. We administered anodal, cathodal, or sham tDCS to three groups of participants over the right auditory cortex on the second day of training during performance of the task. Both the sham and the cathodal groups showed the expected significant learning effect (decreased pitch threshold) over the 3 days of training; in contrast we observed a blocking effect of anodal tDCS on auditory pitch learning, such that this group showed no significant change in thresholds over the 3 days. The results support a causal role for the right auditory cortex in pitch discrimination learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiko Matsushita
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada ; International Laboratory for Brain, Music, and Sound Research Montreal, QC, Canada ; Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jamila Andoh
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim Mannheim, Germany
| | - Robert J Zatorre
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada ; International Laboratory for Brain, Music, and Sound Research Montreal, QC, Canada ; Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music Montreal, QC, Canada
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Hoff M, Kaminski E, Rjosk V, Sehm B, Steele CJ, Villringer A, Ragert P. Augmenting mirror visual feedback-induced performance improvements in older adults. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 41:1475-83. [PMID: 25912048 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that age-related behavioral alterations are not irreversible but are subject to amelioration through specific training interventions. Both training paradigms and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) can be used to modulate age-related brain alterations and thereby influence behavior. It has been shown that mirror visual feedback (MVF) during motor skill training improves performance of the trained and untrained hands in young adults. The question remains of whether MVF also improves motor performance in older adults and how performance improvements can be optimised via NIBS. Here, we sought to determine whether anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) can be used to augment MVF-induced performance improvements in manual dexterity. We found that older adults receiving a-tDCS over the right primary motor cortex (M1) during MVF showed superior performance improvements of the (left) untrained hand relative to sham stimulation. An additional control experiment in participants receiving a-tDCS over the right M1 only (without MVF/motor training of the right hand) revealed no significant behavioral gains in the left (untrained) hand. On the basis of these findings, we propose that combining a-tDCS with MVF might be relevant for future clinical studies that aim to optimise the outcome of neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Hoff
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstrasse 1a, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kaminski
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstrasse 1a, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Viola Rjosk
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstrasse 1a, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bernhard Sehm
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstrasse 1a, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christopher J Steele
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstrasse 1a, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arno Villringer
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstrasse 1a, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Mind and Brain Institute, Charité and Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Ragert
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Stephanstrasse 1a, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Amadi U, Ilie A, Johansen-Berg H, Stagg CJ. Polarity-specific effects of motor transcranial direct current stimulation on fMRI resting state networks. Neuroimage 2014; 88:155-61. [PMID: 24287440 PMCID: PMC3991849 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 10/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used to modify motor performance in healthy and patient populations. However, our understanding of the large-scale neuroplastic changes that support such behavioural effects is limited. Here, we used both seed-based and independent component analyses (ICA) approaches to probe tDCS-induced modifications in resting state activity with the aim of establishing the effects of tDCS applied to the primary motor cortex (M1) on both motor and non-motor networks within the brain. Subjects participated in three separate sessions, during which resting fMRI scans were acquired before and after 10min of 1mA anodal, cathodal, or sham tDCS. Cathodal tDCS increased the inter-hemispheric coherence of resting fMRI signal between the left and right supplementary motor area (SMA), and between the left and right hand areas of M1. A similar trend was documented for the premotor cortex (PMC). Increased functional connectivity following cathodal tDCS was apparent within the ICA-generated motor and default mode networks. Additionally, the overall strength of the default mode network was increased. Neither anodal nor sham tDCS produced significant changes in resting state connectivity. This work indicates that cathodal tDCS to M1 affects the motor network at rest. In addition, the effects of cathodal tDCS on the default mode network support the hypothesis that diminished top-down control may contribute to the impaired motor performance induced by cathodal tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugwechi Amadi
- Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrei Ilie
- Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Heidi Johansen-Berg
- Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Charlotte Jane Stagg
- Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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