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Li Z, Schoonjans E, Allaert J, De Smet S, Kappen M, Houfflyn J, Ottaviani C, De Raedt R, Pulopulos MM, Vanderhasselt MA. Unraveling the temporal interplay of slow-paced breathing and prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation on cardiac indices of autonomic activity. Psychophysiology 2024:e14650. [PMID: 38997945 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14650] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
The neurovisceral integration model proposes that information flows bidirectionally between the brain and the heart via the vagus nerve, indexed by vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV). Voluntary reduction in breathing rate (slow-paced breathing, SPB, 5.5 Breathing Per Minute (BPM)) can enhance vmHRV. Additionally, prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate the excitability of the prefrontal region and influence the vagus nerve. However, research on the combination of SPB and prefrontal tDCS to increase vmHRV and other cardiac (heart rate (HR) and blood pressure) and peripheral (skin conductance) indices is scarce. We hypothesized that the combination of 20 min of SPB and prefrontal tDCS would have a greater effect than each intervention in isolation. Hence, 200 participants were divided into four groups: active tDCS with SPB, active tDCS with 15 BPM breathing, sham tDCS with SPB, and sham tDCS with 15 BPM breathing. Regardless of the tDCS condition, the 5.5 BPM group showed a significant increase in vmHRV over 20 minutes and significant decreases in HR at the first and second 5-min epochs of the intervention. Regardless of breathing condition, the active tDCS group exhibited higher HR at the fourth 5-min epoch of the intervention than the sham tDCS group. No other effects were observed. Overall, SPB is a robust technique for increasing vmHRV, whereas prefrontal tDCS may produce effects that counteract those of SPB. More research is necessary to test whether and how SPB and neuromodulation approaches can be combined to improve cardiac vagal tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Li
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emmanuelle Schoonjans
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jens Allaert
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefanie De Smet
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mitchel Kappen
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joni Houfflyn
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Rudi De Raedt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Matias M Pulopulos
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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2
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Kang J, Li Y, Lv S, Hao P, Li X. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on brain activity and cortical functional connectivity in children with autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1407267. [PMID: 38812483 PMCID: PMC11135472 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1407267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a therapeutic option to mitigate symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our study investigated the effects of a two-week regimen of tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in children with ASD, examining changes in rhythmic brain activity and alterations in functional connectivity within key neural networks: the default mode network (DMN), sensorimotor network (SMN), and dorsal attention network (DAN). Methods We enrolled twenty-six children with ASD and assigned them randomly to either an active stimulation group (n=13) or a sham stimulation group (n=13). The active group received tDCS at an intensity of 1mA to the left DLPFC for a combined duration of 10 days. Differences in electrical brain activity were pinpointed using standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA), while functional connectivity was assessed via lagged phase synchronization. Results Compared to the typically developing children, children with ASD exhibited lower current source density across all frequency bands. Post-treatment, the active stimulation group demonstrated a significant increase in both current source density and resting state network connectivity. Such changes were not observed in the sham stimulation group. Conclusion tDCS targeting the DLPFC may bolster brain functional connectivity in patients with ASD, offering a substantive groundwork for potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Kang
- College of Electronic & Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yuqi Li
- College of Electronic & Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Shuaikang Lv
- College of Electronic & Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Pengfei Hao
- College of Electronic & Information Engineering, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Caravati E, Barbeni F, Chiarion G, Raggi M, Mesin L. Closed-Loop Transcranial Electrical Neurostimulation for Sustained Attention Enhancement: A Pilot Study towards Personalized Intervention Strategies. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:467. [PMID: 38790334 PMCID: PMC11118513 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11050467] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Sustained attention is pivotal for tasks like studying and working for which focus and low distractions are necessary for peak productivity. This study explores the effectiveness of adaptive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in either the frontal or parietal region to enhance sustained attention. The research involved ten healthy university students performing the Continuous Performance Task-AX (AX-CPT) while receiving either frontal or parietal tDCS. The study comprised three phases. First, we acquired the electroencephalography (EEG) signal to identify the most suitable metrics related to attention states. Among different spectral and complexity metrics computed on 3 s epochs of EEG, the Fuzzy Entropy and Multiscale Sample Entropy Index of frontal channels were selected. Secondly, we assessed how tDCS at a fixed 1.0 mA current affects attentional performance. Finally, a real-time experiment involving continuous metric monitoring allowed personalized dynamic optimization of the current amplitude and stimulation site (frontal or parietal). The findings reveal statistically significant improvements in mean accuracy (94.04 vs. 90.82%) and reaction times (262.93 vs. 302.03 ms) with the adaptive tDCS compared to a non-stimulation condition. Average reaction times were statistically shorter during adaptive stimulation compared to a fixed current amplitude condition (262.93 vs. 283.56 ms), while mean accuracy stayed similar (94.04 vs. 93.36%, improvement not statistically significant). Despite the limited number of subjects, this work points out the promising potential of adaptive tDCS as a tailored treatment for enhancing sustained attention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Luca Mesin
- Mathematical Biology and Physiology, Department Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy; (E.C.); (F.B.); (G.C.); (M.R.)
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Hemmerich K, Lupiáñez J, Martín-Arévalo E. HD-tDCS mitigates the executive vigilance decrement only under high cognitive demands. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7865. [PMID: 38570619 PMCID: PMC10991279 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57917-y] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Maintaining vigilance is essential for many everyday tasks, but over time, our ability to sustain it inevitably decreases, potentially entailing severe consequences. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has proven to be useful for studying and improving vigilance. This study explores if/how cognitive load affects the mitigatory effects of HD-tDCS on the vigilance decrement. Participants (N = 120) completed a modified ANTI-Vea task (single or dual load) while receiving either sham or anodal HD-tDCS over the right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC). This data was compared with data from prior studies (N = 120), where participants completed the standard ANTI-Vea task (triple load task), combined with the same HD-tDCS protocol. Against our hypotheses, both the single and dual load conditions showed a significant executive vigilance (EV) decrement, which was not affected by the application of rPPC HD-tDCS. On the contrary, the most cognitively demanding task (triple task) showed the greatest EV decrement; importantly, it was also with the triple task that a significant mitigatory effect of the HD-tDCS intervention was observed. The present study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the specific effects of HD-tDCS on the vigilance decrement considering cognitive demands. This can ultimately contribute to reconciling heterogeneous effects observed in past research and fine-tuning its future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Hemmerich
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja, s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain.
| | - Juan Lupiáñez
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja, s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Elisa Martín-Arévalo
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja, s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain.
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Fernandes SM, Mendes AJ, Rodrigues PF, Conde A, Rocha M, Leite J. Efficacy and safety of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in memory deficits in patients with Alzheimer's disease: Meta-analysis and systematic review. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100452. [PMID: 38444886 PMCID: PMC10914562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100452] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are two of the most used non-pharmacological interventions for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, most of the clinical trials have focused on evaluating the effects on global cognition and not on specific cognitive functions. Therefore, considering that memory loss is one of the hallmark symptoms of AD, we aim to assess the efficacy and safety of tDCS and rTMS in memory deficits. For that, multilevel random effect models were performed considering the standardized mean difference (SMD) between active and sham stimulation. A total of 19 studies with 411 participants demonstrated positive effects in memory after tDCS (SMD=0.20, p = 0.04) and rTMS (SMD=0.44, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that tDCS had greater efficacy when administered in temporal regions (SMD=0.32, p = 0.04), whereas rTMS was superior when applied in frontal regions (SMD=0.61, p < 0.001). Therefore, depending on the brain region of stimulation, both interventions produced a positive effect on memory symptoms in AD patients. Finally, the safety of both techniques was observed in the AD population after the reporting of almost no serious events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Fernandes
- CINTESIS@RISE, CINTESIS.UPT, Portucalense University, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Augusto J. Mendes
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (LANVIE), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Memory Center, Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Ana Conde
- CINTESIS@RISE, CINTESIS.UPT, Portucalense University, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Magda Rocha
- CINTESIS@RISE, CINTESIS.UPT, Portucalense University, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Leite
- CINTESIS@RISE, CINTESIS.UPT, Portucalense University, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Brain@Loop Lab
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Adams W, Idnani S, Kim J. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Orthopedic Pain: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci 2024; 14:66. [PMID: 38248281 PMCID: PMC10813248 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010066] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) appears to alleviate chronic pain via a brain-down mechanism. Although several review studies have examined the effects of tDCS on patients with chronic pain, no systematic review or meta-analysis has comprehensively analyzed the effects of tDCS on chronic orthopedic joint pain in one study. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of tDCS for pain reduction in chronic orthopedic patients; (2) Methods: A comprehensive search of five electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane) was performed. Only randomized controlled trials that compared tDCS with a control intervention were included. Eighteen studies met our inclusion criteria. We identified four categories of chronic orthopedic pain: knee (k = 8), lower back (k = 7), shoulder (k = 2), and orofacial pain (k = 1). Random effect models were utilized, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted in the presence of significant heterogeneity. Studies within each pain condition were further classified according to the number of treatment sessions: 1-5 sessions, 6-10 sessions, and >10 sessions.; (3) Results: Significant reductions in chronic orthopedic joint pain were observed following tDCS compared to controls for knee (g = 0.59, p = 0.005), lower back (g = 1.14, p = 0.005), and shoulder (g = 1.17, p = 0.020). Subgroup analyses showed pain reductions after 6-10 tDCS sessions for knee pain and after 1-5 and >10 sessions for lower back pain; (4) Conclusions: tDCS could be considered a potential stand-alone or supplemental therapy for chronic knee and lower back pain. The effectiveness of tDCS treatment varies depending on the number of treatment sessions. Our findings suggest the importance of implementing individualized treatment plans when considering tDCS for chronic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Adams
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; (W.A.); (S.I.)
| | - Sherina Idnani
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; (W.A.); (S.I.)
| | - Joosung Kim
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA; (W.A.); (S.I.)
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
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Marcos-Frutos D, López-Alonso V, Mera-González I, Sánchez-Molina JA, Colomer-Poveda D, Márquez G. Chronic Functional Adaptations Induced by the Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Exercise Programs: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6724. [PMID: 37959190 PMCID: PMC10649950 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216724] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The present systematic review aimed to determine the chronic effects of the combination of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and exercise on motor function and performance outcomes. We performed a systematic literature review in the databases MEDLINE and Web of Science. Only randomized control trials that measured the chronic effect of combining exercise (comprising gross motor tasks) with tDCS during at least five sessions and measured any type of motor function or performance outcome were included. A total of 22 interventions met the inclusion criteria. Only outcomes related to motor function or performance were collected. Studies were divided into three groups: (a) healthy population (n = 4), (b) neurological disorder population (n = 14), and (c) musculoskeletal disorder population (n = 4). The studies exhibited considerable variability in terms of tDCS protocols, exercise programs, and outcome measures. Chronic use of tDCS in combination with strength training does not enhance motor function in healthy adults. In neurological disorders, the results suggest no additive effect if the exercise program includes the movements pretending to be improved (i.e., tested). However, although evidence is scarce, tDCS may enhance exercise-induced adaptations in musculoskeletal conditions characterized by pain as a limiting factor of motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - David Colomer-Poveda
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, University of A Coruña, 15179 A Coruña, Spain; (D.M.-F.); (V.L.-A.); (I.M.-G.); (J.A.S.-M.)
| | - Gonzalo Márquez
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, University of A Coruña, 15179 A Coruña, Spain; (D.M.-F.); (V.L.-A.); (I.M.-G.); (J.A.S.-M.)
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8
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Vandendoorent B, Nackaerts E, Zoetewei D, Hulzinga F, Gilat M, Orban de Xivry JJ, Nieuwboer A. Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on learning in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Brain Cogn 2023; 171:106073. [PMID: 37611344 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2023.106073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Older adults with and without Parkinson's disease show impaired retention after training of motor or cognitive skills. This systematic review with meta-analysis aims to investigate whether adding transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to motor or cognitive training versus placebo boosts motor sequence and working memory training. The effects of interest were estimated between three time points, i.e. pre-training, post-training and follow-up. This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42022348885). Electronic databases were searched from conception to March 2023. Following initial screening, 24 studies were eligible for inclusion in the qualitative synthesis and 20 could be included in the meta-analysis, of which 5 studies concerned motor sequence learning (total n = 186) and 15 working memory training (total n = 650). Results were pooled using an inverse variance random effects meta-analysis. The findings showed no statistically significant additional effects of tDCS over placebo on motor sequence learning outcomes. However, there was a strong trend showing that tDCS boosted working memory training, although methodological limitations and some heterogeneity were also apparent. In conclusion, the present findings do not support wide implementation of tDCS as an add-on to motor sequence training at the moment, but the promising results on cognitive training warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Vandendoorent
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Evelien Nackaerts
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Demi Zoetewei
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Femke Hulzinga
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Moran Gilat
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Jacques Orban de Xivry
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alice Nieuwboer
- Neuromotor Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Chen X, Zhang J, Lin Y, Li Y, Wang H, Wang Z, Liu H, Hu Y, Liu L. Mechanism, prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment caused by high altitude exposure. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1191058. [PMID: 37731540 PMCID: PMC10507266 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1191058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) characteristics induce impaired cognitive function, reduced concentration, and memory. In recent years, an increasing number of people have migrated to high-altitude areas for work and study. Headache, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairment from HH, severely challenges the physical and mental health and affects their quality of life and work efficiency. This review summarizes the manifestations, mechanisms, and preventive and therapeutic methods of HH environment affecting cognitive function and provides theoretical references for exploring and treating high altitude-induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiexin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Faculty of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Sichuan Xincheng Biological Co., LTD., Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The 77th Army Hospital, Leshan, Sichuan, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhanhao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huawei Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yonghe Hu
- Faculty of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Medical Research Center, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Weinberg H, Baruch Y, Tzameret H, Lavidor M. Cognitive control enhancement in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurotypical individuals. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:2381-2392. [PMID: 37624418 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06695-6] [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: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive control, which has been localized to the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) based on functional imaging and brain lesion studies, is impaired in patients with ADHD. The present study aims to investigate whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the rIFG might improve cognitive control in ADHD subjects. We hypothesized poorer performance in a cognitive control task, but not in a control language task, in the ADHD subjects. Crucially, following tDCS, we expected the ADHD group to improve their cognitive control. In a double-blind randomized control trial, 42 participants performed the stop signal task (SST) to index their cognitive control level and the language task. Half of them were randomly assigned to the anodal stimulation condition and half to the sham stimulation. The anodal or sham stimulation was applied over the right IFG. Following the stimulation, the participants reset the two tasks to see whether stimulation improved the (predicted) weaker performance in the ADHD group. Stimulation significantly enhanced cognitive control for both groups, with or without ADHD, in the SST task, but no significant stimulation effects were found for the control task. tDCS seems as a promising tool to improve cognitive control in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hodaya Weinberg
- The Gonda Brain Research Center and Psychology Department, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yuval Baruch
- The Gonda Brain Research Center and Psychology Department, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Hila Tzameret
- The Gonda Brain Research Center and Psychology Department, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michal Lavidor
- The Gonda Brain Research Center and Psychology Department, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
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Maldonado T, Jackson TB, Bernard JA. Time dependent effects of cerebellar tDCS on cerebello-cortical connectivity networks in young adults. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.26.546626. [PMID: 37425924 PMCID: PMC10327157 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.26.546626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum is involved in non-motor processing, supported by topographically distinct cerebellar activations and closed loop circuits between the cerebellum and the cortex. Disruptions to cerebellar function and network connectivity in aging or disease may negatively impact prefrontal function and processing. Cerebellar resources may be important for offloading cortical processing, providing crucial scaffolding for normative performance and function. Here, we used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to temporarily alter cerebellar function and subsequently investigated resting state network connectivity. This allows us to investigate network changes that may parallel what is seen in aging and clinical populations, providing additional insights into these key circuits. Critically, what happens to these circuits if the cerebellum is not functioning optimally remains relatively unknown. We employed a between-subjects design applying anodal (n=25), cathodal (n=25), or sham (n=24) stimulation to the cerebellum to examine the effect of stimulation on cerebello-cortical resting state connectivity in young adults. We predicted increased functional connectivity following cathodal stimulation and decreased functional connectivity following anodal stimulation. We found, anodal stimulation resulted in increased connectivity in both ipsilateral and contralateral regions of the cortex, perhaps indicative of a compensatory response to degraded cerebellar output. Additionally, a sliding window analysis also demonstrated a time dependent nature to the impacts of cerebellar tDCS on connectivity, particularly in cognitive region in the cortex. Assuming the difference in connectivity and network-behavior relationships here parallels what occurs in aging or disease, this may provide a mechanism whereby offloading of function to the cerebellum is negatively impacted, resulting in subsequent differences in prefrontal cortical activation patterns and performance deficits. These results might inform and update existing compensatory models of function to include the cerebellum as a vital structure needed for scaffolding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Maldonado
- Department of Psychology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, United States of America
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - T. Bryan Jackson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jessica A. Bernard
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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12
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Huang H, Li R, Zhang J. A review of visual sustained attention: neural mechanisms and computational models. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15351. [PMID: 37334118 PMCID: PMC10274610 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained attention is one of the basic abilities of humans to maintain concentration on relevant information while ignoring irrelevant information over extended periods. The purpose of the review is to provide insight into how to integrate neural mechanisms of sustained attention with computational models to facilitate research and application. Although many studies have assessed attention, the evaluation of humans' sustained attention is not sufficiently comprehensive. Hence, this study provides a current review on both neural mechanisms and computational models of visual sustained attention. We first review models, measurements, and neural mechanisms of sustained attention and propose plausible neural pathways for visual sustained attention. Next, we analyze and compare the different computational models of sustained attention that the previous reviews have not systematically summarized. We then provide computational models for automatically detecting vigilance states and evaluation of sustained attention. Finally, we outline possible future trends in the research field of sustained attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for E-learning, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Li
- National Engineering Research Center for E-learning, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Junsong Zhang
- Brain Cognition and Intelligent Computing Lab, Department of Artificial Intelligence, School of Informatics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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13
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Abdollahzade Z, Hadian MR, Khanmohammadi R, Talebian S. Efficacy of stretching exercises versus transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on task performance, kinematic and electroencephalography (EEG) spectrum in subjects with slump posture: a study protocol. Trials 2023; 24:351. [PMID: 37221565 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07359-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Slump sitting is a common posture in workplaces. There is limited evidence that poor posture impacts the mental state. This study aims to investigate whether slump posture results in more mental fatigue during computer typing, compared with normal posture and also to compare the effectiveness of stretching exercises with tDCS in fatigue monitoring. METHODS The sample size for this study is set at 36 participants with slump posture and 36 participants with normal posture. In the first step, to find out the differences between normal and poor posture, they will be asked to perform the typewriting task for 60 min. During the first and last 3 min of typing, mental fatigue as the primary outcome using EEG signals and further measures including kinematic behavior of neck, visual analog fatigue scale, and musculoskeletal discomfort will be assessed. Post-experiment task performance will be calculated based on typing speed and typing errors. In the next step, to compare the effect of tDCS and stretching exercises on the outcome measures, the slump posture group will receive these interventions in two separate sessions before the typing task. DISCUSSION With the assumption of showing significant differences in terms of outcome measures between slump and normal posture groups and also by showing the possible changes of the measures, by using either tDCS as a central modality or stretching exercises as a peripheral modality; the findings may provide evidence to indicate that poor posture has adverse effect on mental state and to introduce the effective method to overcome mental fatigue and promote work productivity. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 21 September 2022, IRCT Identifier: IRCT20161026030516N2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Abdollahzade
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Hadian
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Roya Khanmohammadi
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Talebian
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Spooner RK, Wilson TW. Spectral specificity of gamma-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation over motor cortex during sequential movements. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:5347-5360. [PMID: 36368895 PMCID: PMC10152093 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor control requires the coordination of spatiotemporally precise neural oscillations in the beta and gamma range within the primary motor cortex (M1). Recent studies have shown that motor performance can be differentially modulated based on the spectral target of noninvasive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), with gamma-frequency tACS improving motor performance. However, the spectral specificity for eliciting such improvements remains unknown. Herein, we derived the peak movement-related gamma frequency in 25 healthy adults using magnetoencephalography and a motor control paradigm. These individualized peak gamma frequencies were then used for personalized sessions of tACS. All participants completed 4 sessions of high-definition (HD)-tACS (sham, low-, peak-, and high-gamma frequency) over M1 for 20 min during the performance of sequential movements of varying complexity (e.g. tapping adjacent fingers or nonadjacent fingers). Our primary findings demonstrated that individualized tACS dosing over M1 leads to enhanced motor performance/learning (i.e. greatest reduction in time to complete motor sequences) compared to nonspecific gamma-tACS in humans, which suggests that personalized neuromodulation may be advantageous to optimize behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K Spooner
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, United States
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UMNC), Omaha, NE, United States
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tony W Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, United States
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UMNC), Omaha, NE, United States
- Center for Pediatric Brain Health, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, NE, United States
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
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15
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Mahesan D, Antonenko D, Flöel A, Fischer R. Modulation of the executive control network by anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves task shielding in dual tasking. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6177. [PMID: 37061588 PMCID: PMC10105771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Task shielding is an important executive control demand in dual-task performance enabling the segregation of stimulus-response translation processes in each task to minimize between-task interference. Although neuroimaging studies have shown activity in left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) during various multitasking performances, the specific role of dlPFC in task shielding, and whether non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) may facilitate task shielding remains unclear. We therefore applied a single-blind, crossover sham-controlled design in which 34 participants performed a dual-task experiment with either anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS, 1 mA, 20 min) or sham tDCS (1 mA, 30 s) over left dlPFC. Task shielding was assessed by the backward-crosstalk effect, indicating the extent of between-task interference in dual tasks. Between-task interference was largest at high temporal overlap between tasks, i.e., at short stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). Most importantly, in these conditions of highest multitasking demands, atDCS compared to sham stimulation significantly reduced between-task interference in error rates. These findings extend previous neuroimaging evidence and support modulation of successful task shielding through a conventional tDCS setup with anodal electrode over the left dlPFC. Moreover, our results demonstrate that NIBS can improve shielding of the prioritized task processing, especially in conditions of highest vulnerability to between-task interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devu Mahesan
- Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Franz-Mehring-Strasse 47, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Daria Antonenko
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Agnes Flöel
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Standort Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Rico Fischer
- Department of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Franz-Mehring-Strasse 47, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
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16
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Kurtin DL, Giunchiglia V, Vohryzek J, Cabral J, Skeldon AC, Violante IR. Moving from phenomenological to predictive modelling: Progress and pitfalls of modelling brain stimulation in-silico. Neuroimage 2023; 272:120042. [PMID: 36965862 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain stimulation is an increasingly popular neuromodulatory tool used in both clinical and research settings; however, the effects of brain stimulation, particularly those of non-invasive stimulation, are variable. This variability can be partially explained by an incomplete mechanistic understanding, coupled with a combinatorial explosion of possible stimulation parameters. Computational models constitute a useful tool to explore the vast sea of stimulation parameters and characterise their effects on brain activity. Yet the utility of modelling stimulation in-silico relies on its biophysical relevance, which needs to account for the dynamics of large and diverse neural populations and how underlying networks shape those collective dynamics. The large number of parameters to consider when constructing a model is no less than those needed to consider when planning empirical studies. This piece is centred on the application of phenomenological and biophysical models in non-invasive brain stimulation. We first introduce common forms of brain stimulation and computational models, and provide typical construction choices made when building phenomenological and biophysical models. Through the lens of four case studies, we provide an account of the questions these models can address, commonalities, and limitations across studies. We conclude by proposing future directions to fully realise the potential of computational models of brain stimulation for the design of personalized, efficient, and effective stimulation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L Kurtin
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom; Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Jakub Vohryzek
- Centre for Brain and Cognition, Computational Neuroscience Group, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, Linacre College, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Joana Cabral
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Anne C Skeldon
- Department of Mathematics, Centre for Mathematical and Computational Biology, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Ines R Violante
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
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17
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Closed-Loop tACS Delivered during Slow-Wave Sleep Reduces Retroactive Interference on a Paired-Associates Learning Task. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030468. [PMID: 36979277 PMCID: PMC10046133 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have found a benefit of closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation (CL-tACS) matched to ongoing slow-wave oscillations (SWO) during sleep on memory consolidation for words in a paired associates task (PAT). Here, we examined the effects of CL-tACS in a retroactive interference PAT (ri-PAT) paradigm, where additional stimuli were presented to increase interference and reduce memory performance. Thirty-one participants were tested on a PAT before sleep, and CL-tACS was applied over the right and left DLPFC (F3 and F4) vs. mastoids for five cycles after detection of the onset of each discrete event of SWO during sleep. Participants were awoken the following morning, learned a new PAT list, and then were tested on the original list. There was a significant effect of stimulation condition (p = 0.04297; Cohen’s d = 0.768), where verum stimulation resulted in reduced retroactive interference compared with sham and a significant interaction of encoding strength and stimulation condition (p = 0.03591). Planned simple effects testing within levels of encoding revealed a significant effect of stimulation only for low-encoders (p = 0.0066; Cohen’s d = 1.075) but not high-encoders. We demonstrate here for the first time that CL-tACS during sleep can enhance the protective benefits on retroactive interference in participants who have lower encoding aptitude.
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18
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Li KP, Wu JJ, Zhou ZL, Xu DS, Zheng MX, Hua XY, Xu JG. Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Neurorehabilitation in Post-Stroke Patients. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030451. [PMID: 36979261 PMCID: PMC10046557 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterized by high morbidity, mortality, and disability, stroke usually causes symptoms of cerebral hypoxia due to a sudden blockage or rupture of brain vessels, and it seriously threatens human life and health. Rehabilitation is the essential treatment for post-stroke patients suffering from functional impairments, through which hemiparesis, aphasia, dysphagia, unilateral neglect, depression, and cognitive dysfunction can be restored to various degrees. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a popular neuromodulatory technology of rehabilitation focusing on the local cerebral cortex, which can improve clinical functions by regulating the excitability of corresponding neurons. Increasing evidence has been obtained from the clinical application of NIBS, especially repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). However, without a standardized protocol, existing studies on NIBS show a wide variation in terms of stimulation site, frequency, intensity, dosage, and other parameters. Its application for neurorehabilitation in post-stroke patients is still limited. With advances in neuronavigation technologies, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and functional MRI, specific brain regions can be precisely located for stimulation. On the basis of our further understanding on neural circuits, neuromodulation in post-stroke rehabilitation has also evolved from single-target stimulation to co-stimulation of two or more targets, even circuits and the network. The present study aims to review the findings of current research, discuss future directions of NIBS application, and finally promote the use of NIBS in post-stroke rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Peng Li
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jia-Jia Wu
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Zong-Lei Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mou-Xiong Zheng
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
- Correspondence: (M.-X.Z.); (X.-Y.H.); (J.-G.X.)
| | - Xu-Yun Hua
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
- Correspondence: (M.-X.Z.); (X.-Y.H.); (J.-G.X.)
| | - Jian-Guang Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
- Correspondence: (M.-X.Z.); (X.-Y.H.); (J.-G.X.)
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19
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Maldonado T, Jackson TB, Bernard JA. Anodal cerebellar stimulation increases cortical activation: Evidence for cerebellar scaffolding of cortical processing. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:1666-1682. [PMID: 36468490 PMCID: PMC9921230 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
While the cerebellum contributes to nonmotor task performance, the specific contributions of the structure remain unknown. One possibility is that the cerebellum allows for the offloading of cortical processing, providing support during task performance, using internal models. Here we used transcranial direct current stimulation to modulate cerebellar function and investigate the impact on cortical activation patterns. Participants (n = 74; 22.03 ± 3.44 years) received either cathodal, anodal, or sham stimulation over the right cerebellum before a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan during which they completed a sequence learning and a working memory task. We predicted that cathodal stimulation would improve, and anodal stimulation would hinder task performance and cortical activation. Behaviorally, anodal stimulation negatively impacted behavior during late-phase sequence learning. Functionally, we found that anodal cerebellar stimulation resulted in increased bilateral cortical activation, particularly in parietal and frontal regions known to be involved in cognitive processing. This suggests that if the cerebellum is not functioning optimally, there is a greater need for cortical resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Maldonado
- Department of Psychology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana, USA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Trevor Bryan Jackson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jessica A Bernard
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.,Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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20
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Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in depression induces structural plasticity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2841. [PMID: 36801903 PMCID: PMC9938111 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29792-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique involving administration of well-tolerated electrical current to the brain through scalp electrodes. TDCS may improve symptoms in neuropsychiatric disorders, but mixed results from recent clinical trials underscore the need to demonstrate that tDCS can modulate clinically relevant brain systems over time in patients. Here, we analyzed longitudinal structural MRI data from a randomized, double-blind, parallel-design clinical trial in depression (NCT03556124, N = 59) to investigate whether serial tDCS individually targeted to the left dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) can induce neurostructural changes. Significant (FWEc p < 0.05) treatment-related gray matter changes were observed with active high-definition (HD) tDCS relative to sham tDCS within the left DLPFC stimulation target. No changes were observed with active conventional tDCS. A follow-up analysis within individual treatment groups revealed significant gray matter increases with active HD-tDCS in brain regions functionally connected with the stimulation target, including the bilateral DLPFC, bilateral posterior cingulate cortex, subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, and the right hippocampus, thalamus and left caudate brain regions. Integrity of blinding was verified, no significant differences in stimulation-related discomfort were observed between treatment groups, and tDCS treatments were not augmented by any other adjunct treatments. Overall, these results demonstrate that serial HD-tDCS leads to neurostructural changes at a predetermined brain target in depression and suggest that such plasticity effects may propagate over brain networks.
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21
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Zhang L, Li Q, Du Y, Gao Y, Bai T, Ji GJ, Tian Y, Wang K. Effect of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on improving depression and modulating functional activity in emotion-related cortical-subcortical regions in bipolar depression. J Affect Disord 2023; 323:570-580. [PMID: 36503046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Preliminary studies have suggested that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is effective for bipolar depression, However, brain correlates of the depression alleviating are unclear. To determine the efficacy and safety of tDCS as an add-on treatment for patients with bipolar depression and further to identify the effect of tDCS on the resting-state brain activities, we recruited fifty patients with bipolar depression to complete the double-blind, sham-controlled and randomized clinical trial. Fourteen sessions of tDCS were performed once a day for 14 days. The anode was placed over F3 with return electrodes placed at FP1, FZ, C3 and F7. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) was examined on 50 patients with bipolar depression before and after 14-day active or sham tDCS. Patients in the active group showed significantly superior alleviating the depression symptoms compared with those receiving sham. The active group after 14-day active tDCS showed increased ReHo values in the orbitofrontal cortex and middle frontal gyrus and decreased ReHo values in subcortical structures including hippocampus, parahippocampa gyrus, amygdala, putamen and lentiform nucleus. The reduction of depression severity showed positive correlation of increased ReHo values in the orbitofrontal cortex and middle frontal gyrus and negative correlation of altered ReHo values in the putamen and lentiform. TDCS was an effective and safe add-on intervention for this small bipolar depression sample. The reduction of depression induced by tDCS is associated with a modulation of neural synchronization in the cortical and subcortical structures (ReHo values) within an emotion-related brain network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Brain Disorders and Neuromodulation Research Centre, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Qun Li
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Brain Disorders and Neuromodulation Research Centre, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yuan Du
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Brain Disorders and Neuromodulation Research Centre, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Brain Disorders and Neuromodulation Research Centre, Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tongjian Bai
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei 230022, China; Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Gong-Jun Ji
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei 230022, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei 230022, China; Department of Medical Psychology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Yanghua Tian
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei 230022, China; Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei 230022, China; Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Kai Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei 230022, China; Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei 230022, China; Department of Medical Psychology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
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22
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Perrey S. Probing the Promises of Noninvasive Transcranial Electrical Stimulation for Boosting Mental Performance in Sports. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020282. [PMID: 36831825 PMCID: PMC9954379 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020282] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
While the importance of physical abilities is noncontested to perform in elite sport, more focus has recently been turned toward cognitive processes involved in sport performance. Practicing any sport requires a high demand of cognitive functioning including, but not limited to, decision-making, processing speed, working memory, perceptual processing, motor functioning, and attention. Noninvasive transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) has recently attracted considerable scientific interest due to its ability to modulate brain functioning. Neuromodulation apparently improves cognitive functions engaged in sports performance. This opinion manuscript aimed to reveal that tES is likely an adjunct ergogenic resource for improving cognitive processes, counteracting mental fatigue, and managing anxiety in elite athletes. Nevertheless, the first evidence is insufficient to guarantee its real effectiveness and benefits. All tES techniques could be add-ons to make performance-related cognitive functions more efficient and obtain better results. Modulating inhibitory control through tES over the frontal cortex might largely contribute to the improvement of mental performance. Nevertheless, studies in elite athletes are required to assess the long-term effects of tES application as an ergogenic aid in conjunction with other training methods (e.g., neurofeedback, mental imagery) where cognitive abilities are trainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Perrey
- EuroMov Digital Health in Motion, Univ Montpellier, IMT Mines Ales, 34090 Montpellier, France
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23
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Hemmerich K, Lupiáñez J, Luna FG, Martín-Arévalo E. The mitigation of the executive vigilance decrement via HD-tDCS over the right posterior parietal cortex and its association with neural oscillations. Cereb Cortex 2023:6988102. [PMID: 36646467 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac540] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Vigilance-maintaining a prolonged state of preparation to detect and respond to specific yet unpredictable environmental changes-usually decreases across prolonged tasks, causing potentially severe real-life consequences, which could be mitigated through transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The present study aimed at replicating previous mitigatory effects observed with anodal high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) over the right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC) while extending the analyses on electrophysiological measures associated with vigilance. In sum, 60 participants completed the ANTI-Vea task while receiving anodal (1.5 mA, n = 30) or sham (0 mA, n = 30) HD-tDCS over the rPPC for ~ 28 min. EEG recordings were completed before and after stimulation. Anodal HD-tDCS specifically mitigated executive vigilance (EV) and reduced the alpha power increment across time-on-task while increasing the gamma power increment. To further account for the observed behavioral and physiological outcomes, a new index of Alphaparietal/Gammafrontal is proposed. Interestingly, the increment of this Alphaparietal/Gammafrontal Index with time-on-task is associated with a steeper EV decrement in the sham group, which was mitigated by anodal HD-tDCS. We highlight the relevance of replicating mitigatory effects of tDCS and the need to integrate conventional and novel physiological measures to account for how anodal HD-tDCS can be used to modulate cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Hemmerich
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain
| | - Juan Lupiáñez
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain
| | - Fernando G Luna
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIPsi, CONICET-UNC), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5010, Argentina
| | - Elisa Martín-Arévalo
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain
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24
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Satorres E, Escudero Torrella J, Real E, Pitarque A, Delhom I, Melendez JC. Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation in mild neurocognitive disorder due to possible Alzheimer's disease. A randomised, single-blind, controlled-placebo study. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1071737. [PMID: 36660288 PMCID: PMC9844131 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1071737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mild neurocognitive disorder (mNCD), a pre-dementia stage close to Mild Cognitive Impairment, shows a progressive and constant decline in the memory domain. Of the non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions that may help to decelerate the neurodegenerative progress, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows beneficial effects on the learning curve, immediate recall, immediate verbal memory and executive functions. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of tDCS on general cognition, immediate and delayed memory and executive functions by comparing an active group with a placebo group of mNCD patients. Methods Participants were 33 mNCD due to possible AD, randomly assigned to two groups: 17 active tDCS and 16 placebo tDCS. Ten sessions of tDCS were conducted over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Several neuropsychological scales were administered to assess the primary outcome measures of general cognitive function, immediate and delayed memory and learning ability, whereas the secondary outcome measures included executive function tests. All participants were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Mixed ANOVAs were performed. Results Significant effects were obtained on general cognitive function, immediate and delayed memory and learning ability, with increases in scores in the active tDCS group. However, there were no significant effects on executive function performance. Conclusion The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of tDCS in an active tDCS group, compared to a placebo group, in improving general cognition and immediate and delayed memory, as previous studies found. Taken together, our data suggest that tDCS is a simple, painless, reproducible and easy technique that is useful for treating cognitive alterations found in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena Real
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Iraida Delhom
- Faculty of Psychology, Jaume I University, Castellón de La Plana, Spain
| | - Juan C. Melendez
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain,*Correspondence: Juan C. Melendez,
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Zhang B, Huang F, Liu J, Zhang D. Bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation may be a feasible treatment of Parkinsonian tremor. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1101751. [PMID: 36908793 PMCID: PMC9998710 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1101751] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parkinsonian tremor is a common pathological tremor that affects over 6 million people worldwide. It lowers patients' quality of life and threatens their career development, especially when patients' occupation requires dexterous manipulation. In spite of current available treatments in clinics, there is a lack of low-cost, low side-effect, effective solutions for Parkinsonian tremor. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be an alternative treatment. Objective In this research, we explored the immediate effect of tDCS with a novel bilateral electrode setup over Parkinsonian tremor. In such a bilateral setup, the cathode was placed over the primary cortex contralateral to the more affected side of Parkinsonian tremor while the anode symmetrically over the other hemisphere. It was designed as a modification to the traditional cathodal setup. The performance of this bilateral setup was compared with three other setups including anodal setup, cathodal setup, and sham (control). Methods A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, crossover experiment was carried out over 13 qualified patients diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Before and after the stimulus of each tDCS setup, subjects were tested before and after tDCS with four measures, including the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS), Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) and a self-design Continuous Tremor Signal Assessment (CTSA). Tremor intensity calculated from CTSA data were regarded as the primary outcome of the experiment. Results Statistical results of CTSA, FTMTRS and PPT showed both bilateral tDCS and cathodal tDCS effectively suppressed Parkinsonian tremor. A quantitative comparison of the effect in tremor suppression indicated the optimal suppressive effect was obtained with bilateral tDCS. Based on the results of UPDRS, anodal tDCS was found to benefit subjects' overall performance the most, however, it had little effect in improving Parkinsonian tremor, as revealed by the results of other evaluations. Conclusion Our study suggests a beneficial immediate effect of bilateral tDCS in Parkinsonian tremor suppression. In addition, we assume there may be an underlying interhemispheric unbalance of cortical excitability which contributes to Parkinsonian tremor genesis. Clinical trial registration Identifier: ChiCTR2100054804.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Systems and Vibrations, Robotics Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feifei Huang
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dingguo Zhang
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Amiri M, Jafari AH, Makkiabadi B, Nazari S. A Novel Unsupervised Spatial–Temporal Learning Mechanism in a Bio-inspired Spiking Neural Network. Cognit Comput 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12559-022-10097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Recognizing intertwined patterns using a network of spiking pattern recognition platforms. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19436. [PMID: 36376426 PMCID: PMC9663434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23320-8] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence computing adapted from biology is a suitable platform for the development of intelligent machines by imitating the functional mechanisms of the nervous system in creating high-level activities such as learning, decision making and cognition in today's systems. Here, the concentration is on improvement the cognitive potential of artificial intelligence network with a bio-inspired structure. In this regard, four spiking pattern recognition platforms for recognizing digits and letters of EMNIST, patterns of YALE, and ORL datasets are proposed. All networks are developed based on a similar structure in the input image coding, model of neurons (pyramidal neurons and interneurons) and synapses (excitatory AMPA and inhibitory GABA currents), and learning procedure. Networks 1-4 are trained on Digits, Letters, faces of YALE and ORL, respectively, with the proposed un-supervised, spatial-temporal, and sparse spike-based learning mechanism based on the biological observation of the brain learning. When the networks have reached the highest recognition accuracy in the relevant patterns, the main goal of the article, which is to achieve high-performance pattern recognition system with higher cognitive ability, is followed. The pattern recognition network that is able to detect the combination of multiple patterns which called intertwined patterns has not been discussed yet. Therefore, by integrating four trained spiking pattern recognition platforms in one system configuration, we are able to recognize intertwined patterns. These results are presented for the first time and could be the pioneer of a new generation of pattern recognition networks with a significant ability in smart machines.
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Attention neuroenhancement through tDCS or neurofeedback: a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17613. [PMID: 36266396 PMCID: PMC9584934 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22245-6] [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: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofeedback and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) are promising techniques for neuroenhancement of attentional performance. As far as we know no study compared both techniques on attentional performance in healthy participants. We compared tDCS and neurofeedback in a randomized, single-blind, controlled experiment assessing both behavioral (accuracy and time reaction) and electrophysiological (N1, P1, and P3 components) data of participants responding to the Attention Network Task (ANT). Eighty volunteers volunteered for this study. We adopted standard protocols for both techniques, i.e., a Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) protocol for neurofeedback and the right DLPFC anodal stimulation for tDCS, applied over nine sessions (two weeks). We did not find significant differences between treatment groups on ANT, neither at the behavioral nor at the electrophysiological levels. However, we found that participants from both neuromodulation groups, irrespective of if active or sham, reported attentional improvements in response to the treatment on a subjective scale. Our study adds another null result to the neuromodulation literature, showing that neurofeedback and tDCS effects are more complex than previously suggested and associated with placebo effect. More studies in neuroenhancement literature are necessary to fully comprehend neuromodulation mechanisms.
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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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Jangwan NS, Ashraf GM, Ram V, Singh V, Alghamdi BS, Abuzenadah AM, Singh MF. Brain augmentation and neuroscience technologies: current applications, challenges, ethics and future prospects. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:1000495. [PMID: 36211589 PMCID: PMC9538357 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.1000495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever since the dawn of antiquity, people have strived to improve their cognitive abilities. From the advent of the wheel to the development of artificial intelligence, technology has had a profound leverage on civilization. Cognitive enhancement or augmentation of brain functions has become a trending topic both in academic and public debates in improving physical and mental abilities. The last years have seen a plethora of suggestions for boosting cognitive functions and biochemical, physical, and behavioral strategies are being explored in the field of cognitive enhancement. Despite expansion of behavioral and biochemical approaches, various physical strategies are known to boost mental abilities in diseased and healthy individuals. Clinical applications of neuroscience technologies offer alternatives to pharmaceutical approaches and devices for diseases that have been fatal, so far. Importantly, the distinctive aspect of these technologies, which shapes their existing and anticipated participation in brain augmentations, is used to compare and contrast them. As a preview of the next two decades of progress in brain augmentation, this article presents a plausible estimation of the many neuroscience technologies, their virtues, demerits, and applications. The review also focuses on the ethical implications and challenges linked to modern neuroscientific technology. There are times when it looks as if ethics discussions are more concerned with the hypothetical than with the factual. We conclude by providing recommendations for potential future studies and development areas, taking into account future advancements in neuroscience innovation for brain enhancement, analyzing historical patterns, considering neuroethics and looking at other related forecasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitish Singh Jangwan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Balawala, India
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Veerma Ram
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Balawala, India
| | - Vinod Singh
- Prabha Harji Lal College of Pharmacy and Paraclinical Sciences, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
| | - Badrah S. Alghamdi
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Mohammad Abuzenadah
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mamta F. Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Balawala, India
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Gao Q, Luo N, Sun M, Zhou W, Li Y, Liang M, Yang C, Zhang M, Li R, Gong L, Yu J, Leng J, Chen H. Neural efficiency and proficiency adaptation of effective connectivity corresponding to early and advanced skill levels in athletes of racket sports. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 44:388-402. [PMID: 36053219 PMCID: PMC9842890 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26057] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explored how the neural efficiency and proficiency worked in athletes with different skill levels from the perspective of effective connectivity brain network in resting state. The deconvolved conditioned Granger causality (GC) analysis was applied to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data of 35 elite athletes (EAs) and 42 student-athletes (SAs) of racket sports as well as 39 normal controls (NCs), to obtain the voxel-wised hemodynamic response function (HRF) parameters representing the functional segregation and effective connectivity representing the functional integration. The results showed decreased time-to-peak of HRF in the visual attention brain regions in the two athlete groups compared with NC and decreased response height in the advanced motor control brain regions in EA comparing to the nonelite groups, suggesting the neural efficiency represented by the regional HRF was different in early and advanced skill levels. GC analysis demonstrated that the GC values within the middle occipital gyrus had a linear trend from negative to positive, suggesting a stepwise "neural proficiency" of the effective connectivity from NC to SA then to EA. The GC values of the inter-lobe circuits in EA had the trend to regress to NC levels, in agreement with the neural efficiency of these circuits in EA. Further feature selection approach suggested the important role of the cerebral-brainstem GC circuit for discriminating EA. Our findings gave new insight into the complementary neural mechanisms in brain functional segregation and integration, which was associated with early and advanced skill levels in athletes of racket sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Gao
- Department of RadiologyFirst Affiliated Hospital to Army Medical UniversityChongqingPeople's Republic of China,School of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China,The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Ning Luo
- School of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Mengli Sun
- School of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Weiqi Zhou
- School of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Minfeng Liang
- School of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Chengbo Yang
- The Third Department of Physical Education and TrainingChengdu Sport UniversityChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Mu Zhang
- Information Technology CenterChengdu Sport UniversityChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Lisha Gong
- School of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Yu
- School of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jinsong Leng
- School of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China
| | - Huafu Chen
- Department of RadiologyFirst Affiliated Hospital to Army Medical UniversityChongqingPeople's Republic of China,The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, High‐Field Magnetic Resonance Brain Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduPeople's Republic of China
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Ruiz Martínez-Cañavate M. Neuroderecho y envejecimiento: una aproximación bioética a la mejora cognitiva. REVISTA IBEROAMERICANA DE BIOÉTICA 2022. [DOI: 10.14422/rib.i19.y2022.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Los avances de la neurociencia están determinando cambios decisivos en la vida de las personas, aunque también en campo de la ética y del derecho. En este contexto, el desarrollo y las aplicaciones neurotecnológicas aparecen llamados a mejorar la calidad de vida y el bienestar de los seres humanos, de un modo particular en la población mayor, en la medida en que medios como la tecnología de mejora se configuran como herramientas eficaces en el combate frente al deterioro de las funciones cognitivas. Sin embargo, el empleo de tales recursos puede generar riesgos para la intimidad y la integridad mental humana, lo que hace necesario el reconocimiento de neuroderechos, a fin de evitar injerencias no consentidas.
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Li WO, Yu CKC, Yuen KSL. A systematic examination of the neural correlates of subjective time perception with fMRI and tDCS. Neuroimage 2022; 260:119368. [PMID: 35853318 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to keep track of time is one of the fundamental human behaviours that enhance survival in the wild. It is still an essential skill that enables an individual to function well in modern society. In the present study, we tested the attentional gate model, one of the most common conceptual frameworks in studies of subjective time perception. Its utility has been well established, but it has been criticised for its lack of neurophysiological support; few studies attempted to systematically identify its components and their neural correlates. Previous studies established that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was associated with working memory tasks and a correlation between activity in the cerebellum and the timing of tasks. An fMRI study was conducted to confirm that these two cortical regions were activated during the execution of a new time discrimination task that considers individual variations in subjective time perception. Simulations were conducted to optimize the electrode placement in order to maximize the electric fields of tDCS perturbation to these two areas. According to the attentional gate model, hypotheses about tDCS perturbation to subjective time perception, attention and working memory were formulated and tested. Attention and working memory were measured by the attention network and N-back tasks. There are weak effects to the perceived subjective equivalent and the reaction time in the attention network task, but both are not statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Exploration analyses show a link between attention and subjective time perception after tDCS perturbation. To conclude, the results do not support the attentional gate model, but show a linkage between attention and subjective time perception in terms of similar neural circuits and their relationships under certain circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang On Li
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University.
| | | | - Kenneth Sung Lai Yuen
- Neuroimaging Center (NIC), Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany
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Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique to treat brain disorders by using a constant, low current to stimulate targeted cortex regions. Compared to the conventional tDCS that uses two large pad electrodes, multiple electrode tDCS has recently received more attention. It is able to achieve better stimulation performance in terms of stimulation intensity and focality. In this paper, we first establish a computational model of tDCS, and then propose a novel optimization algorithm using a regularization matrix λ to explore the balance between stimulation intensity and focality. The simulation study is designed such that the performance of state-of-the-art algorithms and the proposed algorithm can be compared via quantitative evaluation. The results show that the proposed algorithm not only achieves desired intensity, but also smaller target error and better focality. Robustness analysis indicates that the results are stable within the ranges of scalp and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) conductivities, while the skull conductivity is most sensitive and should be carefully considered in real clinical applications.
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Ostrowski J, Svaldi J, Schroeder PA. More focal, less heterogeneous? Multi-level meta-analysis of cathodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation effects on language and cognition. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:861-878. [PMID: 35585206 PMCID: PMC9217872 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02507-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) is a relatively focal, novel non-invasive brain stimulation method with the potential to investigate the causal contributions of specific cortical brain regions to language and cognition. Studies with HD-tDCS typically employ a 4 × 1 electrode design with a single central target electrode surrounded by four return electrodes, among which return current intensity is evenly distributed. With cathodal HD-tDCS, neural excitability in the target region is assumed to be reduced, which offers interesting perspectives for neuropsychological research and interventions. This multi-level meta-analysis compiles published studies using cathodal HD-tDCS in 4 × 1 configuration to modulate cognition and behavior. Regarding HD-tDCS, 77 effect sizes were gathered from 11 eligible reports. We extended this database with 52 effect sizes from 11 comparable reports using conventional tDCS with cathodal polarity. We observed no significant overall effect and no moderation by within-study and between-study variables in HD. In the extended analysis, results suggested a non-linear moderation of cathodal tDCS effects by intensity, driven by negative effect sizes at 1.5 mA. However, studies varied tremendously in task parameters, outcomes, and even technical parameters. Interestingly, within-study heterogeneity exceeded between-study heterogeneity in the present sample, and moderators hardly reduced the residual heterogeneity. Across domains and configurations, both positive and negative effect sizes are possible. We discuss the findings in relation to conventional cathodal tDCS and the framework of polarity specificity. Fundamental aspects of cathodal HD-tDCS are still to be addressed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ostrowski
- Department of Psychology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Svaldi
- Department of Psychology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Antal A, Luber B, Brem AK, Bikson M, Brunoni AR, Cohen Kadosh R, Dubljević V, Fecteau S, Ferreri F, Flöel A, Hallett M, Hamilton RH, Herrmann CS, Lavidor M, Loo C, Lustenberger C, Machado S, Miniussi C, Moliadze V, Nitsche MA, Rossi S, Rossini PM, Santarnecchi E, Seeck M, Thut G, Turi Z, Ugawa Y, Venkatasubramanian G, Wenderoth N, Wexler A, Ziemann U, Paulus W. Non-invasive brain stimulation and neuroenhancement. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2022; 7:146-165. [PMID: 35734582 PMCID: PMC9207555 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The available data frame with a wide parameter space of tES does not allow an overarching protocol recommendation. Established engineering risk-management procedures with regard to manufacturing should be followed. Consensus among experts is that tES for neuroenhancement is safe as long as tested protocols are followed.
Attempts to enhance human memory and learning ability have a long tradition in science. This topic has recently gained substantial attention because of the increasing percentage of older individuals worldwide and the predicted rise of age-associated cognitive decline in brain functions. Transcranial brain stimulation methods, such as transcranial magnetic (TMS) and transcranial electric (tES) stimulation, have been extensively used in an effort to improve cognitive functions in humans. Here we summarize the available data on low-intensity tES for this purpose, in comparison to repetitive TMS and some pharmacological agents, such as caffeine and nicotine. There is no single area in the brain stimulation field in which only positive outcomes have been reported. For self-directed tES devices, how to restrict variability with regard to efficacy is an essential aspect of device design and function. As with any technique, reproducible outcomes depend on the equipment and how well this is matched to the experience and skill of the operator. For self-administered non-invasive brain stimulation, this requires device designs that rigorously incorporate human operator factors. The wide parameter space of non-invasive brain stimulation, including dose (e.g., duration, intensity (current density), number of repetitions), inclusion/exclusion (e.g., subject’s age), and homeostatic effects, administration of tasks before and during stimulation, and, most importantly, placebo or nocebo effects, have to be taken into account. The outcomes of stimulation are expected to depend on these parameters and should be strictly controlled. The consensus among experts is that low-intensity tES is safe as long as tested and accepted protocols (including, for example, dose, inclusion/exclusion) are followed and devices are used which follow established engineering risk-management procedures. Devices and protocols that allow stimulation outside these parameters cannot claim to be “safe” where they are applying stimulation beyond that examined in published studies that also investigated potential side effects. Brain stimulation devices marketed for consumer use are distinct from medical devices because they do not make medical claims and are therefore not necessarily subject to the same level of regulation as medical devices (i.e., by government agencies tasked with regulating medical devices). Manufacturers must follow ethical and best practices in marketing tES stimulators, including not misleading users by referencing effects from human trials using devices and protocols not similar to theirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Antal
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
- Corresponding author at: Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Robert Koch Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Bruce Luber
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anna-Katharine Brem
- University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marom Bikson
- Biomedical Engineering at the City College of New York (CCNY) of the City University of New York (CUNY), NY, USA
| | - Andre R. Brunoni
- Departamento de Clínica Médica e de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation (SIN), Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27), Institute of Psychiatry, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roi Cohen Kadosh
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Veljko Dubljević
- Science, Technology and Society Program, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Shirley Fecteau
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, CERVO Brain Research Centre, Centre intégré universitaire en santé et services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Florinda Ferreri
- Unit of Neurology, Unit of Clinical Neurophysiology, Study Center of Neurodegeneration (CESNE), Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Kuopio University Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Agnes Flöel
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Standort Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Roy H. Hamilton
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christoph S. Herrmann
- Experimental Psychology Lab, Department of Psychology, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Michal Lavidor
- Department of Psychology and the Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Israel
| | - Collen Loo
- School of Psychiatry and Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales; The George Institute; Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline Lustenberger
- Neural Control of Movement Lab, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Machado
- Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
- Laboratory of Physical Activity Neuroscience, Neurodiversity Institute, Queimados-RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlo Miniussi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences – CIMeC and Centre for Medical Sciences - CISMed, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Vera Moliadze
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU, Dortmund, Germany
- Dept. Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Simone Rossi
- Siena Brain Investigation and Neuromodulation Lab (Si-BIN Lab), Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo M. Rossini
- Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Brain Connectivity Lab, IRCCS-San Raffaele-Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Santarnecchi
- Precision Neuroscience and Neuromodulation Program, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Margitta Seeck
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Thut
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, School of Psychology and Neuroscience, EEG & Epolepsy Unit, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Zsolt Turi
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Human Neurophysiology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Nicole Wenderoth
- Neural Control of Movement Lab, Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence And Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Anna Wexler
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University of Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Walter Paulus
- Department of of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Germany
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Assecondi S, Villa-Sánchez B, Shapiro K. Event-Related Potentials as Markers of Efficacy for Combined Working Memory Training and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Regimens: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:837979. [PMID: 35547238 PMCID: PMC9083230 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.837979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Our brains are often under pressure to process a continuous flow of information in a short time, therefore facing a constantly increasing demand for cognitive resources. Recent studies have highlighted that a lasting improvement of cognitive functions may be achieved by exploiting plasticity, i.e., the brain’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing cognitive demands imposed by the environment. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), when combined with cognitive training, can promote plasticity, amplify training gains and their maintenance over time. The availability of low-cost wearable devices has made these approaches more feasible, albeit the effectiveness of combined training regimens is still unclear. To quantify the effectiveness of such protocols, many researchers have focused on behavioral measures such as accuracy or reaction time. These variables only return a global, non-specific picture of the underlying cognitive process. Electrophysiology instead has the finer grained resolution required to shed new light on the time course of the events underpinning processes critical to cognitive control, and if and how these processes are modulated by concurrent tDCS. To the best of our knowledge, research in this direction is still very limited. We investigate the electrophysiological correlates of combined 3-day working memory training and non-invasive brain stimulation in young adults. We focus on event-related potentials (ERPs), instead of other features such as oscillations or connectivity, because components can be measured on as little as one electrode. ERP components are, therefore, well suited for use with home devices, usually equipped with a limited number of recording channels. We consider short-, mid-, and long-latency components typically elicited by working memory tasks and assess if and how the amplitude of these components are modulated by the combined training regimen. We found no significant effects of tDCS either behaviorally or in brain activity, as measured by ERPs. We concluded that either tDCS was ineffective (because of the specific protocol or the sample under consideration, i.e., young adults) or brain-related changes, if present, were too subtle. Therefore, we suggest that other measures of brain activity may be more appropriate/sensitive to training- and/or tDCS-induced modulations, such as network connectivity, especially in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Assecondi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Visual Experience Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Center for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Sara Assecondi, ,
| | | | - Kim Shapiro
- Visual Experience Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Center for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Examining the relationship between working memory consolidation and long-term consolidation. Psychon Bull Rev 2022; 29:1625-1648. [PMID: 35357669 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-022-02084-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
An emerging area of research is focused on the relationship between working memory and long-term memory and the likely overlap between these processes. Of particular interest is how some information first maintained in working memory is retained for longer periods and eventually preserved in long-term memory. The process of stabilizing transient memory representations for lasting retention is referred to as consolidation in both the working memory and long-term memory literature, although these have historically been viewed as independent constructs. The present review aims to investigate the relationship between working memory consolidation and long-term memory consolidation, which both have rich, but distinct, histories. This review provides an overview of the proposed models and neural mechanisms of both types of consolidation, as well as clinical findings related to consolidation and potential approaches for the manipulation of consolidation. Finally, two hypotheses are proposed to explain the relationship between working memory consolidation and long-term memory consolidation.
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Mathematical Model Insights into EEG Origin under Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in the Context of Psychosis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11071845. [PMID: 35407453 PMCID: PMC8999473 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disease that develops progressively over years with a transition from prodromal to psychotic state associated with a disruption in brain activity. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), known to alleviate pharmaco-resistant symptoms in patients suffering from schizophrenia, promises to prevent such a psychotic transition. To understand better how tDCS affects brain activity, we propose a neural cortico-thalamo-cortical (CTC) circuit model involving the Ascending Reticular Arousal System (ARAS) that permits to describe major impact features of tDCS, such as excitability for short-duration stimulation and electroencephalography (EEG) power modulation for long-duration stimulation. To this end, the mathematical model relates stimulus duration and Long-Term Plasticity (LTP) effect, in addition to describing the temporal LTP decay after stimulus offset. This new relation promises to optimize future stimulation protocols. Moreover, we reproduce successfully EEG-power modulation under tDCS in a ketamine-induced psychosis model and confirm the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hypofunction hypothesis in the etiopathophysiology of schizophrenia. The model description points to an important role of the ARAS and the δ-rhythm synchronicity in CTC circuit in early-stage psychosis.
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Gan T, Huang Y, Hao X, Hu L, Zheng Y, Yang Z. Anodal tDCS Over the Left Frontal Eye Field Improves Sustained Visual Search Performance. Perception 2022; 51:263-275. [PMID: 35275023 DOI: 10.1177/03010066221086446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Monotonous and repetitive tasks cause vigilance, or sustained attention decrement, which possibly leads to irreparable accident consequences in the aerospace and nuclear industry. Buffering the decrement of vigilance in visual search tasks is essential for cognitive enhancement and ergonomic research. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the left frontal eye field (FEF) to improve the performance of the sustained visual search. Twenty-seven healthy participants received anodal and sham tDCS of 2 mA for 28.8 min and completed a visual search task lasting for approximately 40 min without any break. For the online effect, results showed that the d' hit rate and accuracy under anodal tDCS were significantly higher than those under sham conditions during 0-19.2 min time intervals. For the after-effect, compared with sham, anodal tDCS caused significantly higher d' in the 10 min after completing the tDCS. Our findings suggest that anodal tDCS over the left FEF could effectively mitigate the decline of visual vigilance performance by buffering cognitive resource depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Gan
- 12646Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- 12646Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Hao
- 12646Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Hu
- 12646Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- 12646Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- 12646Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
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Balduin-Philipps LS, Weiss S, Mueller H. Supporting auditory word recognition with transcranial direct current stimulation: effects in elderly individuals with and without objective memory complaints. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2022; 29:237-259. [PMID: 33432880 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2020.1861203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Healthy elderly people often experience a subjective loss of daily memory performance whereas an objective decrease in memory performance is often observed in patients with memory complaints. In this paper, we investigate the influence of a single session of "anodal" transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) on auditory word recognition performance in a decision time experiment. Three groups of participants (>64 years of age) with and without memory complaints underwent a word recognition task, in which they had to recognize words previously encoded among several distractors (semantically or phonologically related words) via a button press. In this double-blinded study, the participants completed two sessions (sham/a-tDCS), counterbalanced between subjects with a washout period of at least 10 days. Twenty minutes of 1.5 mA a-tDCS was applied over the left temporal cortex during the memorizing and decision phases. Overall, our results demonstrated that the participants, independent of their memory performance, were faster in word recognition during a-tDCS. As expected, older participants with memory complaints recognized significantly less words correctly compared to other participants. However, tDCS did not have a beneficial effect on the extent of successful word recognition. These results suggest a general effect of a single session of a-tDCS over the left temporal cortex, with participants becoming faster in their word recognition, thus having easier access to encoded words.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa S Balduin-Philipps
- Experimental Neurolinguistics Group, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Cognitive Interaction Technology" (CITEC), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Sabine Weiss
- Experimental Neurolinguistics Group, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Cognitive Interaction Technology" (CITEC), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Clinical Linguistics, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Horst Mueller
- Experimental Neurolinguistics Group, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Cognitive Interaction Technology" (CITEC), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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Gomez A, Escobar-Huertas J, Linero D, Cardenas F, Garzón-Alvarado D. Simulation of the Electrical Stimulation of the Rat Brain Using Sleep Frequencies: A Finite Element Modeling Approach. J Theor Biol 2022; 542:111093. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Arif Y, Embury CM, Spooner RK, Okelberry HJ, Willett MP, Eastman JA, Wilson TW. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation of the occipital cortices induces polarity dependent effects within the brain regions serving attentional reorientation. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:1930-1940. [PMID: 34997673 PMCID: PMC8933319 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous brain stimulation studies have targeted the posterior parietal cortex, a key hub of the attention network, to manipulate attentional reorientation. However, the impact of stimulating brain regions earlier in the pathway, including early visual regions, is poorly understood. In this study, 28 healthy adults underwent three high‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD‐tDCS) visits (i.e., anodal, cathodal, and sham). During each visit, they completed 20 min of occipital HD‐tDCS and then a modified Posner task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG data were transformed into the time‐frequency domain and significant oscillatory events were imaged using a beamformer. Oscillatory response amplitude values were extracted from peak voxels in the whole‐brain maps and were statistically compared. Behaviorally, we found that the participants responded slowly when attention reallocation was needed (i.e., the validity effect), irrespective of the stimulation condition. Our neural findings indicated that cathodal HD‐tDCS was associated with significantly reduced theta validity effects in the occipital cortices, as well as reduced alpha validity effects in the left occipital and parietal cortices relative to anodal HD‐tDCS. Additionally, anodal occipital stimulation significantly increased gamma amplitude in right occipital regions relative to cathodal and sham stimulation. Finally, we also found a negative correlation between the alpha validity effect and reaction time following anodal stimulation. Our findings suggest that HD‐tDCS of the occipital cortices has a polarity dependent impact on the multispectral neural oscillations serving attentional reorientation in healthy adults, and that such effects may reflect altered local GABA concentrations in the neural circuitry serving attentional reorientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasra Arif
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Christine M Embury
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Rachel K Spooner
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Hannah J Okelberry
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Madelyn P Willett
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jacob A Eastman
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tony W Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Gibson BC, Votaw VR, Stein ER, Clark VP, Claus E, Witkiewitz K. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Provides no Additional Benefit to Improvements in Self-Reported Craving Following Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:92-103. [PMID: 35833199 PMCID: PMC9272998 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01768-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have each demonstrated efficacy in improving outcomes in those with alcohol use disorder (AUD), however a recent study that combined MBRP with tDCS found tDCS provided no additional benefit to MBRP for AUD. Differences in treatment adherence between active versus sham tDCS groups may have contributed to this result. The current study examined whether treatment adherence interacted with tDCS condition in predicting post-treatment mindfulness and craving. Methods This study was a secondary data analysis from a randomized sham-controlled trial comparing MBRP paired with tDCS. Linear regression analyses were conducted examining the interaction between tDCS condition and two measures of treatment adherence (i.e., number of groups attended, number of tDCS administrations) on post-treatment mindfulness and craving. Results There was no effect of treatment adherence by tDCS condition in predicting mindfulness, however the interaction between treatment adherence and tDCS condition significantly predicted post-treatment craving. There was a significant negative association between treatment adherence and post-treatment craving in the sham group, but there was no association in the active tDCS group. Conclusions MBRP coupled with sham stimulation led to significant reductions in self-reported craving when patients attended more sessions and received a greater number of sham tDCS administrations, while no relationship was observed between treatment adherence and craving among those who received active tDCS. This result provides tentative evidence that, rather than improve the effects of MBRP on craving, this active tDCS protocol provides no additional benefit to MBRP in reducing craving. Pre-registration This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02861807).
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C. Gibson
- Psychology Department, University of New Mexico, Logan Hall, MSC03-2220, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
- The Mind Research Network, Department of Translational Neuroscience, 1101 Yale Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
| | - Victoria R. Votaw
- Psychology Department, University of New Mexico, Logan Hall, MSC03-2220, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
- Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions, 2650 Yale Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
| | - Elena R. Stein
- Psychology Department, University of New Mexico, Logan Hall, MSC03-2220, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
- Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions, 2650 Yale Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
| | - Vincent P. Clark
- Psychology Department, University of New Mexico, Logan Hall, MSC03-2220, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
- The Mind Research Network, Department of Translational Neuroscience, 1101 Yale Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
| | - Eric Claus
- The Mind Research Network, Department of Translational Neuroscience, 1101 Yale Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Katie Witkiewitz
- Psychology Department, University of New Mexico, Logan Hall, MSC03-2220, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
- Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions, 2650 Yale Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
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Split-Belt Training but Not Cerebellar Anodal tDCS Improves Stability Control and Reduces Risk of Fall in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2021; 12:brainsci12010063. [PMID: 35053807 PMCID: PMC8773736 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the therapeutic potential of multiple sessions of training on a split-belt treadmill (SBT) combined with cerebellar anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on gait and balance in People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Twenty-two PwMS received six sessions of anodal (PwMSreal, n = 12) or sham (PwMSsham, n = 10) tDCS to the cerebellum prior to performing the locomotor adaptation task on the SBT. To evaluate the effect of the intervention, functional gait assessment (FGA) scores and distance walked in 2 min (2MWT) were measured at the baseline (T0), day 6 (T5), and at the 4-week follow up (T6). Locomotor performance and changes of motor outcomes were similar in PwMSreal and PwMSsham independently from tDCS mode applied to the cerebellum (anodal vs. sham, on FGA, p = 0.23; and 2MWT, p = 0.49). When the data were pooled across the groups to investigate the effects of multiple sessions of SBT training alone, significant improvement of gait and balance was found on T5 and T6, respectively, relative to baseline (FGA, p < 0.001 for both time points). The FGA change at T6 was significantly higher than at T5 (p = 0.01) underlining a long-lasting improvement. An improvement of the distance walked during the 2MWT was also observed on T5 and T6 relative to T0 (p = 0.002). Multiple sessions of SBT training resulted in a lasting improvement of gait stability and endurance, thus potentially reducing the risk of fall as measured by FGA and 2MWT. Application of cerebellar tDCS during SBT walking had no additional effect on locomotor outcomes.
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Burden C, Leach RC, Sklenar AM, Urban Levy P, Frankenstein AN, Leshikar ED. Examining the influence of brain stimulation to the medial prefrontal cortex on the self-reference effect in memory. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e2368. [PMID: 34734486 PMCID: PMC8671799 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Past work shows that processing information in relation to the self improves memory which is known as the self-reference effect in memory. Other work suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can also improve memory. Given recent research on self-reference context memory effects (improved memory for contextual episodic details associated with self-referential processing), we were interested in examining the extent stimulation might increase the magnitude of the self-reference context memory effect. In this investigation, participants studied objects superimposed on different background scenes in either a self-reference or other-reference condition while receiving either active or sham stimulation to the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), a cortical region known to support self-reference context memory effects. Participants then completed a memory test that assessed item memory (have you seen this object before?) and context memory (with which background scene was this object paired?). Results showed a self-reference context memory effect driven by enhanced memory for stimuli processed in the self-reference compared to the other-reference condition across all participants (regardless of stimulation condition). tDCS, however, had no effect on memory. Specifically, stimulation did not increase the magnitude of the self-reference context memory effect under active compared to sham stimulation. These results suggest that stimulation of the dmPFC at encoding may not add to the memory benefits induced by self-referential processing suggesting a boundary condition to tDCS effects on memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camill Burden
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ryan C Leach
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Mosbacher JA, Halverscheid S, Pustelnik K, Danner M, Prassl C, Brunner C, Vogel SE, Nitsche MA, Grabner RH. Theta Band Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Enhances Arithmetic Learning: A Systematic Comparison of Different Direct and Alternating Current Stimulations. Neuroscience 2021; 477:89-105. [PMID: 34648868 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.10.006] [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] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decades, interest in transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) has grown, as it might allow for causal investigations of the associations between cortical activity and cognition as well as to directly influence cognitive performance. The main objectives of the present work were to assess whether tES can enhance the acquisition and application of arithmetic abilities, and whether it enables a better assessment of underlying neurophysiological processes. To this end, the present, double-blind, sham-controlled study assessed the effects of six active stimulations (three tES protocols: anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), alpha band transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and theta band tACS; targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or the left posterior parietal cortex) on the acquisition of an arithmetic procedure, arithmetic facts, and event-related synchronization/desynchronization (ERS/ERD) patterns. 137 healthy adults were randomly assigned to one of seven groups, each receiving one of the tES-protocols during learning. Results showed that frontal theta band tACS reduced the repetitions needed to learn novel facts and both, frontal and parietal theta band tACS accelerated the decrease in calculation times in fact learning problems. The beneficial effect of frontal theta band tACS may reflect enhanced executive functions, allowing for better control and inhibition processes and hence, a faster acquisition and integration of novel fact knowledge. However, there were no significant effects of the stimulations on procedural learning or ERS/ERD patterns. Overall, theta band tACS appears promising as a support for arithmetic fact training, but effects on procedural calculations and neurophysiological processes remain ambiguous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen A Mosbacher
- Section of Educational Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | | | - Kolja Pustelnik
- Mathematics Institute, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martina Danner
- Section of Educational Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christina Prassl
- Section of Educational Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Clemens Brunner
- Section of Educational Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stephan E Vogel
- Section of Educational Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - 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, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Roland H Grabner
- Section of Educational Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed Graz, Graz, Austria
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49
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Siegert A, Diedrich L, Antal A. New Methods, Old Brains-A Systematic Review on the Effects of tDCS on the Cognition of Elderly People. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:730134. [PMID: 34776903 PMCID: PMC8578968 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.730134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The world's population is aging. With this comes an increase in the prevalence of age-associated diseases, which amplifies the need for novel treatments to counteract cognitive decline in the elderly. One of the recently discussed non-pharmacological approaches is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). TDCS delivers weak electric currents to the brain, thereby modulating cortical excitability and activity. Recent evidence suggests that tDCS, mainly with anodal currents, can be a powerful means to non-invasively enhance cognitive functions in elderly people with age-related cognitive decline. Here, we screened a recently developed tDCS database (http://tdcsdatabase.com) that is an open access source of published tDCS papers and reviewed 16 studies that applied tDCS to healthy older subjects or patients suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or pre-stages. Evaluating potential changes in cognitive abilities we focus on declarative and working memory. Aiming for more standardized protocols, repeated tDCS applications (2 mA, 30 min) over the left dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) of elderly people seem to be one of the most efficient non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) approaches to slow progressive cognitive deterioration. However, inter-subject variability and brain state differences in health and disease restrict the possibility to generalize stimulation methodology and increase the necessity of personalized protocol adjustment by means of improved neuroimaging techniques and electrical field modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Siegert
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Diedrich
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Antal
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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50
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Arif Y, Spooner RK, Heinrichs-Graham E, Wilson TW. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation modulates performance and alpha/beta parieto-frontal connectivity serving fluid intelligence. J Physiol 2021; 599:5451-5463. [PMID: 34783045 DOI: 10.1113/jp282387] [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] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluid intelligence (Gƒ) includes logical reasoning abilities and is an essential component of normative cognition. Despite the broad consensus that parieto-prefrontal connectivity is critical for Gƒ (e.g. the parieto-frontal integration theory of intelligence, P-FIT), the dynamics of such functional connectivity during logical reasoning remains poorly understood. Further, given the known importance of these brain regions for Gƒ, numerous studies have targeted one or both of these areas with non-invasive stimulation with the goal of improving Gƒ, but to date there remains little consensus on the overall stimulation-related effects. To examine this, we applied high-definition direct current anodal stimulation to the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of 24 healthy adults for 20 min in three separate sessions (sham, left, and right active). Following stimulation, participants completed a logical reasoning task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). Significant neural responses at the sensor-level were imaged using a beamformer, and peak task-induced activity was subjected to dynamic functional connectivity analyses to evaluate the impact of distinct stimulation montages on network activity. We found that participants responded faster following right DLPFC stimulation vs. sham. Moreover, our neural findings followed a similar trajectory of effects such that left parieto-frontal connectivity decreased following right and left DLPFC stimulation compared to sham, with connectivity following right stimulation being significantly correlated with the faster reaction times. Importantly, our findings are consistent with P-FIT, as well as the neural efficiency hypothesis (NEH) of intelligence. In sum, this study provides evidence for beneficial effects of right DLPFC stimulation on logical reasoning. KEY POINTS: Logical reasoning is an indispensable component of fluid intelligence and involves multispectral oscillatory activity in parietal and frontal regions. Parieto-frontal integration is well characterized in logical reasoning; however, its direct neural quantification and neuromodulation by brain stimulation remain poorly understood. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) had modulatory effects on task performance and neural interactions serving logical reasoning, with right stimulation showing beneficial effects. Right DLPFC stimulation led to a decrease in the response time (i.e. better task performance) and left parieto-frontal connectivity with a marginal positive association between behavioural and neural metrics. Other modes of targeted stimulation of DLPFC (e.g. frequency-specific) can be employed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasra Arif
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (Neuroscience), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rachel K Spooner
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (Neuroscience), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Tony W Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
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