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Paßmann S, Baselgia S, Kasten FH, Herrmann CS, Rasch B. Differential online and offline effects of theta-tACS on memory encoding and retrieval. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 24:894-911. [PMID: 39085585 PMCID: PMC11390785 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-024-01204-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Theta oscillations support memory formation, but their exact contribution to the communication between prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hippocampus is unknown. We tested the functional relevance of theta oscillations as a communication link between both areas for memory formation using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). Healthy, young participants learned two lists of Dutch-German word pairs and retrieved them immediately and with a 30-min delay. In the encoding group (N = 30), tACS was applied during the encoding of list 1. List 2 was used to test stimulation aftereffects. In the retrieval group (N = 23), we stimulated during the delayed recall. In both groups, we applied tACS bilaterally at prefrontal and tempo-parietal sites, using either individualized theta frequency or 15 Hz (as control), according to a within-subject design. Stimulation with theta-tACS did not alter overall learning performance. An exploratory analysis revealed that immediate recall improved when word-pairs were learned after theta-tACS (list 2). Applying theta-tACS during retrieval had detrimental effects on memory. No changes in the power of the respective frequency bands were observed. Our results do not support the notion that impacting the communication between PFC and the hippocampus during a task by bilateral tACS improves memory. However, we do find evidence that direct stimulation had a trend for negatively interfering effects during immediate and delayed recall. Hints for beneficial effects on memory only occurred with aftereffects of the stimulation. Future studies need to further examine the effects during and after stimulation on memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Paßmann
- Cognitive Biopsychology and Methods, Department of Psychology, Université Fribourg, Rue P.-A.-de-Faucigny 2, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Sandrine Baselgia
- Cognitive Biopsychology and Methods, Department of Psychology, Université Fribourg, Rue P.-A.-de-Faucigny 2, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Florian H Kasten
- Centre de Recherche Cerveau & Cognition, CNRS, Toulouse, France
- Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Christoph S Herrmann
- Experimental Psychology Lab, Department of Psychology, Carl Von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Björn Rasch
- Cognitive Biopsychology and Methods, Department of Psychology, Université Fribourg, Rue P.-A.-de-Faucigny 2, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Mendes AJ, Lema A, Carvalho S, Leite J. Tailoring transcranial alternating current stimulation based on endogenous event-related P3 to modulate premature responses: a feasibility study. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17144. [PMID: 38584936 PMCID: PMC10998630 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17144] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a brain stimulation method for modulating ongoing endogenous oscillatory activity at specified frequency during sensory and cognitive processes. Given the overlap between event-related potentials (ERPs) and event-related oscillations (EROs), ERPs can be studied as putative biomarkers of the effects of tACS in the brain during cognitive/sensory task performance. Objective This preliminary study aimed to test the feasibility of individually tailored tACS based on individual P3 (latency and frequency) elicited during a cued premature response task. Thus, tACS frequency was individually tailored to match target-P3 ERO for each participant. Likewise, the target onset in the task was adjusted to match the tACS phase and target-P3 latency. Methods Twelve healthy volunteers underwent tACS in two separate sessions while performing a premature response task. Target-P3 latency and ERO were calculated in a baseline block during the first session to allow a posterior synchronization between the tACS and the endogenous oscillatory activity. The cue and target-P3 amplitudes, delta/theta ERO, and power spectral density (PSD) were evaluated pre and post-tACS blocks. Results Target-P3 amplitude significantly increased after activetACS, when compared to sham. Evoked-delta during cue-P3 was decreased after tACS. No effects were found for delta ERO during target-P3 nor for the PSD and behavioral outcomes. Conclusion The present findings highlight the possible effect of phase synchronization between individualized tACS parameters and endogenous oscillatory activity, which may result in an enhancement of the underlying process (i.e., an increase of target-P3). However, an unsuccessful synchronization between tACS and EEG activity might also result in a decrease in the evoked-delta activity during cue-P3. Further studies are needed to optimize the parameters of endogenous activity and tACS synchronization. The implications of the current results for future studies, including clinical studies, are further discussed since transcranial alternating current stimulation can be individually tailored based on endogenous event-related P3 to modulate responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto J. Mendes
- Geneva Memory Center, Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (LANVIE), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, CIPsi, School of Psychology, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Alberto Lema
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, CIPsi, School of Psychology, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Sandra Carvalho
- Translational Neuropsychology Lab, Department of Education and Psychology, William James Center for Research (WJCR), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jorge Leite
- CINTESIS@RISE, CINTESIS.UPT, Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique, Porto, Portugal
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Shtoots L, Nadler A, Partouche R, Sharir D, Rothstein A, Shati L, Levy DA. Frontal midline theta transcranial alternating current stimulation enhances early consolidation of episodic memory. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2024; 9:8. [PMID: 38365886 PMCID: PMC10873319 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-024-00222-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Evidence implicating theta rhythms in declarative memory encoding and retrieval, together with the notion that both retrieval and consolidation involve memory reinstatement or replay, suggests that post-learning theta rhythm modulation can promote early consolidation of newly formed memories. Building on earlier work employing theta neurofeedback, we examined whether theta-frequency transcranial alternating stimulation (tACS) can engender effective consolidation of newly formed episodic memories, compared with beta frequency stimulation or sham control conditions. We compared midline frontal and posterior parietal theta stimulation montages and examined whether benefits to memory of theta upregulation are attributable to consolidation rather than to retrieval processes by using a washout period to eliminate tACS after-effects between stimulation and memory assessment. Four groups of participants viewed object pictures followed by a free recall test during three study-test cycles. They then engaged in tACS (frontal theta montage/parietal theta montage/frontal beta montage/sham) for a period of 20 min, followed by a 2-h break. Free recall assessments were conducted after the break, 24 h later, and 7 days later. Frontal midline theta-tACS induced significant off-line retrieval gains at all assessment time points relative to all other conditions. This indicates that theta upregulation provides optimal conditions for the consolidation of episodic memory, independent of mental-state strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limor Shtoots
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, 4610101, Israel
| | - Asher Nadler
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, 4610101, Israel
| | - Roni Partouche
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, 4610101, Israel
| | - Dorin Sharir
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, 4610101, Israel
| | - Aryeh Rothstein
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, 4610101, Israel
| | - Liran Shati
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, 4610101, Israel
| | - Daniel A Levy
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, 4610101, Israel.
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
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Hsu WY, Zanto T, Park JE, Gazzaley A, Bove RM. Effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation on cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 80:105090. [PMID: 37925960 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105090] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is a core symptom that profoundly impacts the lives of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Since the existing disease modifying therapies can only stabilize, but not actively treat, cognition in PwMS, there is an unmet need to expand approaches to treat these cognitive symptoms. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) permits frequency-specific entrainment of neural oscillations intrinsic to cognitive activity. However, the effects of the tACS on cognitive function in PwMS have not yet been assessed. We aimed to evaluate the potential efficacy of applying frontal theta-tACS to improve information processing speed in PwMS. METHODS 60 PwMS with cognitive complaints were enrolled in a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial with three stimulation groups: 2 mA, 1 mA, or sham control. A single session of theta-tACS was applied while participants were engaged in a cognitive program which has shown to improve processing speed in PwMS. tACS effects were examined by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Tolerability, side effects and acceptability were measured. RESULTS 1 mA groups had a significantly higher SDMT score after stimulation compared to their pre-stimulation score, 2 mA group showed a marginally significant improvement of their SDMT score, while the SDMT score in the sham group did not change. Overall, 49% of the stimulation group participants showed a clinically meaningful SDMT improvement (4+-point increase). CONCLUSION tACS is a well-tolerated, non-pharmacological intervention. Based on the positive effects observed in the current study of a single session of tACS applied during cognitive engagement, the effects of repeated tACS on cognitive function in PwMS merit further research. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04466228.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yu Hsu
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, 1651 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Theodore Zanto
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, 1651 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jee Eun Park
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, 1651 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, 1651 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Riley M Bove
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, 1651 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Yang D, Ghafoor U, Eggebrecht AT, Hong KS. Effectiveness assessment of repetitive transcranial alternating current stimulation with concurrent EEG and fNIRS measurement. Health Inf Sci Syst 2023; 11:35. [PMID: 37545487 PMCID: PMC10397167 DOI: 10.1007/s13755-023-00233-y] [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: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) exhibits the capability to interact with endogenous brain oscillations using an external low-intensity sinusoidal current and influences cerebral function. Despite its potential benefits, the physiological mechanisms and effectiveness of tACS are currently a subject of debate and disagreement. The aims of our study are to (i) evaluate the neurological and behavioral impact of tACS by conducting repetitive sham-controlled experiments and (ii) propose criteria to evaluate effectiveness, which can serve as a benchmark to determine optimal individual-based tACS protocols. In this study, 15 healthy adults participated in the experiment over two visiting: sham and tACS (i.e., 5 Hz, 1 mA). During each visit, we used multimodal recordings of the participants' brain, including simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), along with a working memory (WM) score to quantify neurological effects and cognitive changes immediately after each repetitive sham/tACS session. Our results indicate increased WM scores, hemodynamic response strength, and EEG power in theta and delta bands both during and after the tACS period. Additionally, the observed effects do not increase with prolonged stimulation time, as the effects plateau towards the end of the experiment. In conclusion, our proposed closed-loop scheme offers a promising advance for evaluating the effectiveness of tACS during the stimulation session. Specifically, the assessment criteria use participant-specific brain-based signals along with a behavioral output. Moreover, we propose a feedback efficacy score that can aid in determining the optimal stimulation duration based on a participant-specific brain state, thereby preventing the risk of overstimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalin Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63100 USA
| | - Usman Ghafoor
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
| | - Adam Thomas Eggebrecht
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63100 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Keum-Shik Hong
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241 Republic of Korea
- Institute for Future, School of Automation, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 Shandong China
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Jones KT, Ostrand AE, Gazzaley A, Zanto TP. Enhancing cognitive control in amnestic mild cognitive impairment via at-home non-invasive neuromodulation in a randomized trial. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7435. [PMID: 37156876 PMCID: PMC10167304 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34582-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with multi-domain amnestic mild cognitive impairment (md-aMCI) have an elevated risk of dementia and need interventions that may retain or remediate cognitive function. In a feasibility pilot study, 30 older adults aged 60-80 years with md-aMCI were randomized to 8 sessions of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with simultaneous cognitive control training (CCT). The intervention took place within the participant's home without direct researcher assistance. Half of the participants received prefrontal theta tACS during CCT and the other half received control tACS. We observed high tolerability and adherence for at-home tACS + CCT. Within 1-week, only those who received theta tACS exhibited improved attentional abilities. Neuromodulation is feasible for in-home settings, which can be conducted by the patient, thereby enabling treatment in difficult to reach populations. TACS with CCT may facilitate cognitive control abilities in md-aMCI, but research in a larger population is needed to validate efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T Jones
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Ln, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Ln, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Sandler Neurosciences Center, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Avery E Ostrand
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Ln, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Ln, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Ln, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Ln, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, 675 18th St, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Theodore P Zanto
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Ln, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Ln, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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Sayig-Keren RM, Dagan M, Cornejo Thumm P, Brozgol M, Gazit E, Manor B, Hausdorff JM. The Potential of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation to Alleviate Dual-Task Gait Costs in Older Adults: Insights from a Double-Blinded Pilot Study. Gerontology 2022; 69:513-518. [PMID: 36470231 PMCID: PMC10073237 DOI: 10.1159/000527171] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The performance of an attention-demanding task while walking, i.e., dual-tasking, leads to dual-task costs (e.g., reduced gait speed) in older adults. Previous studies have shown that dual-task costs in gait are associated with future falls and cognitive decline. According to the communication through coherence hypothesis, transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) might help alleviate this problem. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a single session of theta-tACS targeting the left fronto-parietal network (L-FPN) on dual-task walking and cognitive function compared to sham stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a node within the L-FPN. METHODS Twenty older adults completed a four-visit, double-blinded, within-subject, cross-over study in which usual-walking, dual-task walking, and cognitive function were evaluated before and immediately after 20 min of tACS, tDCS, or sham (order randomized) stimulation. Dual-task costs to gait speed (primary outcome) and other measures were analyzed. RESULTS The dual-task cost to gait speed tended to be lower (i.e., better) after tACS (p = 0.067, Cohen's d = 0.433∼small); tDCS significantly reduced this dual-task cost (p = 0.012, Cohen's d = 0.618∼medium), and sham stimulation had no effect (p = 0.467). tACS significantly reduced the dual-task cost to step length (p = 0.037, Cohen's d = 0.502∼medium); a trend was seen after tDCS (p = 0.069, Cohen's d = 0.443∼small). No statistical differences were found for other measures of gait or cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS The positive effects of tACS on dual-task gait speed and step length were roughly similar to those seen with tDCS. These results suggest that tACS affects the fronto-parietal network and, similar to tDCS, tACS may improve dual-tasking. Nonetheless, to achieve larger benefits and differentiate the effects of tACS and tDCS on brain function and dual-task walking in older adults, other stimulation montages and protocols should be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rony M Sayig-Keren
- Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition and Mobility, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moria Dagan
- Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition and Mobility, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Pablo Cornejo Thumm
- Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition and Mobility, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marina Brozgol
- Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition and Mobility, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Gazit
- Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition and Mobility, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Brad Manor
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Hausdorff
- Center for the Study of Movement, Cognition and Mobility, Neurological Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, Sacker School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Sanuki F, Nakphu N, Tahara A, Iramina K. The comparison of electroencephalography power and event related potential in success and failure during multitask game. Front Neurorobot 2022; 16:1044071. [DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2022.1044071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The first game-based treatment for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020. This game was developed for use at home as part of everyday training and can be used along with one’s usual training plan. In this game, two tasks are performed in parallel: (1) a perceptual discrimination targeting task (response and not response and avoiding responding to sudden pop-up targets) and (2) a sensory-motor navigation task (players continuously adjust their location to interact with or avoid positional targets). However, the brain activity of people playing this game was not examined, and the immersive environment (3D virtual world) was not considered. Therefore, we aimed to develop a system to investigate brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) during multitask gameplay in virtual reality (VR). In this experiment, we focused on the difference between the success and failure of the Go/No-Go task in a multitask game. We created a color discrimination task and a target tracking task in VR. The content of this game task was designed using previous multitask training. EEG and event data were recorded. Using event data, we can analyze the data in detail. We divided the trial types (Go and No-Go) and results (success and failure). We then compared the success and failure of each task. In the Go trial, the relative theta power in success at Fz was significantly higher than that of failure. However, no difference in power was observed in the No-Go trial. On the other hand, theta power was no different between success and failure in the other task. These results of the Go trial suggest that the participants were attentive to processing both tasks. Thus, it is possible that theta power in the frontal area 1 s before stimulation could predict the success or failure of the Go trial. On the other hand, the results of the No-Go trial may be due to the low number of No-Go failure trials and the fact that stimulus oversight is one of the factors for success.
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Jones KT, Johnson EL, Gazzaley A, Zanto TP. Structural and functional network mechanisms of rescuing cognitive control in aging. Neuroimage 2022; 262:119547. [PMID: 35940423 PMCID: PMC9464721 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related declines in cognitive control, an ability critical in most daily tasks, threaten individual independence. We previously showed in both older and younger adults that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can improve cognitive control, with effects observed across neural regions distant from the stimulated site and frequencies outside the stimulated range. Here, we assess network-level changes in neural activity that extend beyond the stimulated site and evaluate anatomical pathways that subserve these effects. We investigated the potential to rescue cognitive control in aging using prefrontal (F3-F4) theta (6 Hz) or control (1 Hz) tACS while older adults engaged in a cognitive control video game intervention on three consecutive days. Functional connectivity was assessed with EEG by measuring daily changes in frontal-posterior phase-locking values (PLV) from the tACS-free baseline. Structural connectivity was measured using MRI diffusion tractography data collected at baseline. Theta tACS improved multitasking performance, and individual gains reflected a dissociation in daily PLV changes, where theta tACS strengthened PLV and control tACS reduced PLV. Strengthened alpha-beta PLV in the theta tACS group correlated positively with inferior longitudinal fasciculus and corpus callosum body integrity, and further explained multitasking gains. These results demonstrate that theta tACS can improve cognitive control in aging by strengthening functional connectivity, particularly in higher frequency bands. However, the extent of functional connectivity gains is limited by the integrity of structural white matter tracts. Given that advanced age is associated with decreased white matter integrity, results suggest that the deployment of tACS as a therapeutic is best prior to advanced age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T Jones
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Elizabeth L Johnson
- Departments of Medical Social Sciences and Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Theodore P Zanto
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Ziegler DA, Anguera JA, Gallen CL, Hsu WY, Wais PE, Gazzaley A. Leveraging technology to personalize cognitive enhancement methods in aging. NATURE AGING 2022; 2:475-483. [PMID: 35873177 PMCID: PMC9302894 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-022-00237-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
As population aging advances at an increasing rate, efforts to help people maintain or improve cognitive function late in life are critical. Although some studies have shown promise, the question of whether cognitive training is an effective tool for improving general cognitive ability remains incompletely explored, and study results to date have been inconsistent. Most approaches to cognitive enhancement in older adults have taken a 'one size fits all' tack, as opposed to tailoring interventions to the specific needs of individuals. In this Perspective, we argue that modern technology has the potential to enable large-scale trials of public health interventions to enhance cognition in older adults in a personalized manner. Technology-based cognitive interventions that rely on closed-loop systems can be tailored to individuals in real time and have the potential for global testing, extending their reach to large and diverse populations of older adults. We propose that the future of cognitive enhancement in older adults will rely on harnessing new technologies in scientifically informed ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Ziegler
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to David A. Ziegler or Adam Gazzaley. ;
| | - Joaquin A. Anguera
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Courtney L. Gallen
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wan-Yu Hsu
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peter E. Wais
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to David A. Ziegler or Adam Gazzaley. ;
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Sesa-Ashton G, Wong R, McCarthy B, Datta S, Henderson LA, Dawood T, Macefield VG. Stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex modulates muscle sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in humans. Cereb Cortex Commun 2022; 3:tgac017. [PMID: 35559424 PMCID: PMC9086585 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) controls the diameter of arterioles in skeletalmuscle, contributing importantly to the beat-to-beat regulation of blood pressure (BP). Although brain imaging studies have shown that bursts of MSNA originate in the rostral ventrolateral medulla, other subcortical and cortical structures-including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC)-contribute. Hypothesis We tested the hypothesis that MSNA and BP could be modulated by stimulating the dlPFC. Method dlPFC. In 22 individuals MSNA was recorded via microelectrodes inserted into the common peroneal nerve, together with continuous BP, electrocardiographic, and respiration.Stimulation of the right (n=22) or left dlPFC (n=10) was achieved using transcranial alternating current (tcACS; +2 to -2mA, 0.08 Hz,100 cycles), applied between the nasion and electrodes over the F3 or F4 EEG sites on the scalp. Results Sinusoidal stimulation of either dlPFC caused cyclicmodulation of MSNA, BP and heart rate, and a significant increase in BP. Conclusion We have shown, for the first time, that tcACS of the dlPFC in awake humans causes partial entrainment of MSNA, heart rate and BP, arguing for an important role of this higher-level cortical area in the control of cardiovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Sesa-Ashton
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Human Autonomic Neurophysiology, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wong
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Human Autonomic Neurophysiology, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Brendan McCarthy
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Human Autonomic Neurophysiology, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sudipta Datta
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Human Autonomic Neurophysiology, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Luke A Henderson
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Tye Dawood
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Human Autonomic Neurophysiology, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Vaughan G Macefield
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Human Autonomic Neurophysiology, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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Jones KT, Smith CC, Gazzaley A, Zanto TP. Research outside the laboratory: Longitudinal at-home neurostimulation. Behav Brain Res 2022; 428:113894. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Li G, Chung WY. Electroencephalogram-Based Approaches for Driver Drowsiness Detection and Management: A Review. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22031100. [PMID: 35161844 PMCID: PMC8840041 DOI: 10.3390/s22031100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Drowsiness is not only a core challenge to safe driving in traditional driving conditions but also a serious obstacle for the wide acceptance of added services of self-driving cars (because drowsiness is, in fact, one of the most representative early-stage symptoms of self-driving carsickness). In view of the importance of detecting drivers’ drowsiness, this paper reviews the algorithms of electroencephalogram (EEG)-based drivers’ drowsiness detection (DDD). To facilitate the review, the EEG-based DDD approaches are organized into a tree structure taxonomy, having two main categories, namely “detection only (open-loop)” and “management (closed-loop)”, both aimed at designing better DDD systems that ensure early detection, reliability and practical utility. To achieve this goal, we addressed seven questions, the answers of which helped in developing an EEG-based DDD system that is superior to the existing ones. A basic assumption in this review article is that although driver drowsiness and carsickness-induced drowsiness are caused by different factors, the brain network that regulates drowsiness is the same.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wan-Young Chung
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-10-629-6223; Fax: +82-10-629-6210
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14
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Enhancing neural markers of attention in children with ADHD using a digital therapeutic. PLoS One 2022; 16:e0261981. [PMID: 34972140 PMCID: PMC8719702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by diminished attentional control. Critically, these difficulties are related to negative consequences in real-life functioning both during development and into adulthood. There is now growing evidence that modulating the underlying neural circuits related to attention can improve behavior and brain function in children with ADHD. We have previously shown that game-based digital therapeutics targeting a key neural marker of attention-midline frontal theta (MFT)-yield positive effects on attentional control in several populations. However, the effects of such digital therapeutics in children with ADHD and no other comorbidities has not been yet examined. To address this gap, we assessed a sample of 25 children with ADHD (8-12 years old) on neural, behavioral, and clinical metrics of attention before and after a 4-week at-home intervention on an iPad targeting MFT circuitry. We found that children showed enhancements on a neural measure of attention (MFT power), as well as on objective behavioral measures of attention and parent reports of clinical ADHD symptoms. Importantly, we observed relationships between the neural and behavioral cognitive improvements, demonstrating that those children who showed the largest intervention-related neural gains were also those that improved the most on the behavioral tasks indexing attention. These findings provide support for using targeted, digital therapeutics to enhance multiple features of attentional control in children with ADHD. Study registration: ClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT03844269) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03844269.
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15
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Ghafoor U, Yang D, Hong KS. Neuromodulatory effects of HD-tACS/tDCS on the prefrontal cortex: A resting-state fNIRS-EEG study. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2021; 26:2192-2203. [PMID: 34757916 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2021.3127080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial direct and alternating current stimulation (tDCS and tACS, respectively) can modulate human brain dynamics and cognition. However, these modalities have not been compared using multiple imaging techniques concurrently. In this study, 15 participants participated in an experiment involving two sessions with a gap of 10 d. In the first and second sessions, tACS and tDCS were administered to the participants. The anode for tDCS was positioned at point FpZ, and four cathodes were positioned over the left and right prefrontal cortices (PFCs) to target the frontal regions simultaneously. tDCS was administered with 1 mA current. tACS was supplied with a current of 1 mA (zero-to-peak value) at 10 Hz frequency. Stimulation was applied concomitantly with functional near-infrared spectroscopy and electroencephalography acquisitions in the resting-state. The statistical test showed significant alteration (p < 0.001) in the mean hemodynamic responses during and after tDCS and tACS periods. Between-group comparison revealed a significantly less (p < 0.001) change in the mean hemodynamic response caused by tACS compared with tDCS. As hypothesized, we successfully increased the hemodynamics in both left and right PFCs using tDCS and tACS. Moreover, a significant increase in alpha-band power (p < 0.01) and low beta band power (p < 0.05) due to tACS was observed after the stimulation period. Although tDCS is not frequency-specific, it increased but not significantly (p > 0.05) the powers of most bands including delta, theta, alpha, low beta, high beta, and gamma. These findings suggest that both hemispheres can be targeted and that both tACS and tDCS are equally effective in high-definition configurations, which may be of clinical relevance.
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16
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No aftereffects of high current density 10 Hz and 20 Hz tACS on sensorimotor alpha and beta oscillations. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21416. [PMID: 34725379 PMCID: PMC8560917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00850-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Application of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is thought to modulate ongoing brain oscillations in a frequency-dependent manner. However, recent studies report various and sometimes inconsistent results regarding its capacity to induce changes in cortical activity beyond the stimulation period. Here, thirty healthy volunteers participated in a randomized, cross-over, sham-controlled, double-blind study using EEG to measure the offline effects of tACS on alpha and beta power. Sham and high current density tACS (1 mA; 10 Hz and 20 Hz; 0.32 mA/cm2) were applied for 20 min over bilateral sensorimotor areas and EEG was recorded at rest before and after stimulation for 20 min. Bilateral tACS was not associated with significant changes in local alpha and beta power frequencies at stimulation sites (C3 and C4 electrodes). Overall, the present results fail to provide evidence that bilateral tACS with high current density applied over sensorimotor regions at 10 and 20 Hz reliably modulates offline brain oscillation power at the stimulation site. These results may have implications for the design and implementation of future protocols aiming to induce sustained changes in brain activity, including in clinical populations.
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Zanto TP, Jones KT, Ostrand AE, Hsu WY, Campusano R, Gazzaley A. Individual differences in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology predict effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation. Brain Stimul 2021; 14:1317-1329. [PMID: 34481095 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noninvasive transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) research has been plagued with inconsistent effects. Recent work has suggested neuroanatomical and neurophysiological variability may alter tES efficacy. However, direct evidence is limited. OBJECTIVE We have previously replicated effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on improving multitasking ability in young adults. Here, we attempt to assess whether these stimulation parameters have comparable effects in older adults (aged 60-80 years), which is a population known to have greater variability in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. It is hypothesized that this variability in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology will be predictive of tACS efficacy. METHODS We conducted a pre-registered study where tACS was applied above the prefrontal cortex (between electrodes F3-F4) while participants were engaged in multitasking. Participants were randomized to receive either 6-Hz (theta) tACS for 26.67 min daily for three days (80 min total; Long Exposure Theta group), 6-Hz tACS for 5.33 min daily (16-min total; Short Exposure Theta group), or 1-Hz tACS for 26.67 min (80 min total; Control group). To account for neuroanatomy, magnetic resonance imaging data was used to form individualized models of the tACS-induced electric field (EF) within the brain. To account for neurophysiology, electroencephalography data was used to identify individual peak theta frequency. RESULTS Results indicated that only in the Long Theta group, performance change was correlated with modeled EF and peak theta frequency. Together, modeled EF and peak theta frequency accounted for 54%-65% of the variance in tACS-related performance improvements, which sustained for a month. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate the importance of individual differences in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology in tACS research and help account for inconsistent effects across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore P Zanto
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Kevin T Jones
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Avery E Ostrand
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wan-Yu Hsu
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Richard Campusano
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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18
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Anguera JA, Schachtner JN, Simon AJ, Volponi J, Javed S, Gallen CL, Gazzaley A. Long-term maintenance of multitasking abilities following video game training in older adults. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 103:22-30. [PMID: 33789209 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The use of cognitive interventions to remediate deficient cognitive functions, or to enhance or preserve intact cognitive abilities, has been explored for some time, especially in older adults. However, few studies have investigated the long-term persistence of any positive benefits, with none examining whether changes in functional brain activity persist several years later. Here, we assessed whether enhanced cognitive abilities and potential underlying neural changes attained via the use of a custom-made video game (NeuroRacer) played by older adults (60-85 years old) continued to be elevated beyond control participants 6 years later. The NeuroRacer group continued to show reduced multitasking costs beyond control participants, with a neural signature of cognitive control, midline frontal theta power, also continuing to show heightened activity. However, previously evidenced performance benefits that had extended to untrained cognitive control abilities (i.e., enhanced sustained attention and working memory) did not persist, highlighting sustainability limitations. These findings continue to demonstrate the robust plasticity of the prefrontal cognitive control system in the aging brain, a potential neural mechanism underlying enhanced performance over time, and the possible long-term impact that digital therapeutics can have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin A Anguera
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Jessica N Schachtner
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexander J Simon
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Volponi
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Samirah Javed
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Courtney L Gallen
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscape Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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19
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Turner DA, Degan S, Galeffi F, Schmidt S, Peterchev AV. Rapid, Dose-Dependent Enhancement of Cerebral Blood Flow by transcranial AC Stimulation in Mouse. Brain Stimul 2020; 14:80-87. [PMID: 33217607 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial electrical stimulation at an appropriate dose may demonstrate intracranial effects, including neuronal stimulation and cerebral blood flow responses. OBJECTIVE We performed in vivo experiments on mouse cortex using transcranial alternating current [AC] stimulation to assess whether cerebral blood flow can be reliably altered by extracranial stimulation. METHODS We performed transcranial AC electrical stimulation transversely across the closed skull in anesthetized mice, measuring transcranial cerebral blood flow with a laser Doppler probe and intracranial electrical responses as endpoint biomarkers. We calculated a stimulation dose-response function between intracranial electric field and cerebral blood flow. RESULTS Stimulation at electric field amplitudes of 5-20 mV/mm at 10-20 Hz rapidly increased cerebral blood flow (within 100 ms), which then quickly decreased with no residual effects. The time to peak and blood flow shape varied with stimulation intensity and duration, showing a linear correlation between stimulation dose and peak blood flow increase. Neither afterdischarges nor spreading depression occurred from this level of stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Extracranial stimulation amplitudes sufficient to evoke reliable blood flow changes require electric field strengths higher than what is tolerable in unanesthetized humans (<1 mV/mm), but less than electroconvulsive therapy levels (>40 mV/mm). However, anesthesia effects, spontaneous blood flow fluctuations, and sampling error may accentuate the apparent field strength needed for enhanced blood flow. The translation to a human dose-response function to augment cerebral blood flow (i.e., in stroke recovery) will require significant modification, potentially to pericranial, focused, multi-electrode application or intracranial stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis A Turner
- Neurosurgery, Duke University, USA; Neurobiology, Duke University, USA; Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, USA; Surgery and Research Branches, Durham VAMC, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Simone Degan
- Neurosurgery, Duke University, USA; Surgery and Research Branches, Durham VAMC, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Francesca Galeffi
- Neurosurgery, Duke University, USA; Surgery and Research Branches, Durham VAMC, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Stephen Schmidt
- Neurosurgery, Duke University, USA; Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, USA
| | - Angel V Peterchev
- Neurosurgery, Duke University, USA; Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, USA; Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, USA; Electrical & Computer Engineering, Duke University, USA
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Soicher RN, Becker-Blease KA, Bostwick KCP. Adapting implementation science for higher education research: the systematic study of implementing evidence-based practices in college classrooms. COGNITIVE RESEARCH-PRINCIPLES AND IMPLICATIONS 2020; 5:54. [PMID: 33152095 PMCID: PMC7644597 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-020-00255-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Finding better ways to implement effective teaching and learning strategies in higher education is urgently needed to help address student outcomes such as retention rates, graduation rates, and learning. Psychologists contribute to the science and art of teaching and learning in higher education under many flags, including cognitive psychology, science of learning, educational psychology, scholarship of teaching and learning in psychology, discipline-based educational research in psychology, design-based implementation research, and learning sciences. Productive, rigorous collaboration among researchers and instructors helps. However, translational research and practice-based research alone have not closed the translation gap between the research laboratory and the college classroom. Fortunately, scientists and university faculty can draw on the insights of decades of research on the analogous science-to-practice gap in medicine and public health. Health researchers now add to their toolbox of translational and practice-based research the systematic study of the process of implementation in real work settings directly. In this article, we define implementation science for cognitive psychologists as well as educational psychologists, learning scientists, and others with an interest in use-inspired basic cognitive research, propose a novel model incorporating implementation science for translating cognitive science to classroom practice in higher education, and provide concrete recommendations for how use-inspired basic cognitive science researchers can better understand those factors that affect the uptake of their work with implementation science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raechel N Soicher
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, 2950 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Kathryn A Becker-Blease
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, 2950 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
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Abstract
Impaired cognition is common in many neuropsychiatric disorders and severely compromises quality of life. Synchronous electrophysiological rhythms represent a core mechanism for sculpting communication dynamics among large-scale brain networks that underpin cognition and its breakdown in neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we review an emerging neuromodulation technology called transcranial alternating current stimulation that has shown remarkable early results in rapidly improving various domains of human cognition by modulating properties of rhythmic network synchronization. Future noninvasive neuromodulation research holds promise for potentially rescuing network activity patterns and improving cognition, setting groundwork for the development of drug-free, circuit-based therapeutics for people with cognitive brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrey Grover
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA; , ,
| | - John A Nguyen
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA; , ,
| | - Robert M G Reinhart
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA; , , .,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Cognitive Neuroimaging Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Center for Research in Sensory Communication & Emerging Neural Technology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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22
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Turi Z, Mittner M, Lehr A, Bürger H, Antal A, Paulus W. θ-γ Cross-Frequency Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation over the Trough Impairs Cognitive Control. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0126-20.2020. [PMID: 32764077 PMCID: PMC7540931 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0126-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive control is a mental process, which underlies adaptive goal-directed decisions. Previous studies have linked cognitive control to electrophysiological fluctuations in the θ band and θ-γ cross-frequency coupling (CFC) arising from the cingulate and frontal cortices. However, to date, the behavioral consequences of different forms of θ-γ CFC remain elusive. Here, we studied the behavioral effects of the θ-γ CFC via transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) designed to stimulate the frontal and cingulate cortices in humans. Using a double-blind, randomized, repeated measures study design, 24 healthy participants were subjected to three active and one control CFC-tACS conditions. In the active conditions, 80-Hz γ tACS was coupled to 4-Hz θ tACS. Specifically, in two of the active conditions, short γ bursts were coupled to the delivered θ cycle to coincide with either its peaks or troughs. In the third active condition, the phase of a θ cycle modulated the amplitude of the γ oscillation. In the fourth, control protocol, 80-Hz tACS was continuously superimposed over the 4-Hz tACS, therefore lacking any phase specificity in the CFC. During the 20 min of stimulation, the participants performed a Go/NoGo monetary reward-based and punishment-based instrumental learning task. A Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression analysis revealed that relative to the control, the peak-coupled tACS had no effects on the behavioral performance, whereas the trough-coupled tACS and, to a lesser extent, amplitude-modulated tACS reduced performance in conflicting trials. Our results suggest that cognitive control depends on the phase specificity of the θ-γ CFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Turi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Matthias Mittner
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037
| | - Albert Lehr
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Hannah Bürger
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Andrea Antal
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Walter Paulus
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany
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Jones KT, Johnson EL, Berryhill ME. Frontoparietal theta-gamma interactions track working memory enhancement with training and tDCS. Neuroimage 2020; 211:116615. [PMID: 32044440 PMCID: PMC7733399 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable interest in enhancing, preserving, and rehabilitating working memory (WM), efforts to elicit sustained behavioral improvements have been met with limited success. Here, we paired WM training with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the frontoparietal network over four days. Active tDCS enhanced WM performance by modulating interactions between frontoparietal theta oscillations and gamma activity, as measured by pre- and post-training high-density electroencephalography (EEG). Increased phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) between the prefrontal stimulation site and temporo-parietal gamma activity explained behavioral improvements, and was most effective when gamma occurred near the prefrontal theta peak. These results demonstrate for the first time that tDCS-linked WM training elicits lasting changes in behavior by optimizing the oscillatory substrates of prefrontal control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T Jones
- University of Nevada-Reno, Department of Psychology, Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Reno, NV, 89557, USA; University of California-San Francisco, Department of Neurology, Neuroscape, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Johnson
- University of California-Berkeley, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Wayne State University, Institute of Gerontology, Life-Span Cognitive Neuroscience Program, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Marian E Berryhill
- University of Nevada-Reno, Department of Psychology, Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Reno, NV, 89557, USA.
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Mondino M, Ghumman S, Gane C, Renauld E, Whittingstall K, Fecteau S. Effects of Transcranial Stimulation With Direct and Alternating Current on Resting-State Functional Connectivity: An Exploratory Study Simultaneously Combining Stimulation and Multiband Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 13:474. [PMID: 32116597 PMCID: PMC7012783 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Transcranial stimulation with direct (tDCS) and alternating current (tACS) has increasingly gained interest in various fields, from cognitive neuroscience to clinical investigations. Transcranial current stimulation used alone may modulate brain activity that consequently influences behaviors, without providing information on potentially induced brain activity changes. The combination of transcranial current stimulation and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) may help to address this. This exploratory study investigated instantaneous and subsequent effects of tDCS and tACS on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in healthy adults. Methods: We conducted a randomized crossover study with 15 healthy subjects receiving three stimulation conditions (tDCS, tACS, and sham) on separate days. Stimulation was applied over the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for 30 min (1 mA). rsFC of the targeted prefrontal areas was assessed before, during, and after stimulation using multiband fMRI and using left and right DLPFC as seeds. Results: Both tDCS and tACS increased rsFC during and after the stimulation period, as compared to sham. tDCS-induced changes were observed between the left DLPFC and bilateral parietal regions at the junction of the superior parietal and the inferior parietal lobules. tACS-induced changes were observed between the left DLPFC and the right inferior parietal lobule. Conclusion: Overall, these results suggest that a single session with a low dose, 1 mA, of tDCS or tACS can cause changes in fronto-parietal connectivity that occur rapidly, that is, within the first 15 min. Although exploratory, this work contributes to the discussion of the potential of transcranial current stimulation to modulate resting-state networks and the interest of combining transcranial current stimulation with neuroimaging to identify these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Mondino
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Medical School, Université Laval, CERVO Brain Research Center, Centre Intégré Universitaire en Santé et Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Sukhmanjit Ghumman
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Claire Gane
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Medical School, Université Laval, CERVO Brain Research Center, Centre Intégré Universitaire en Santé et Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Emmanuelle Renauld
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Medical School, Université Laval, CERVO Brain Research Center, Centre Intégré Universitaire en Santé et Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin Whittingstall
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Shirley Fecteau
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Medical School, Université Laval, CERVO Brain Research Center, Centre Intégré Universitaire en Santé et Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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25
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Jones KT, Arciniega H, Berryhill ME. Replacing tDCS with theta tACS provides selective, but not general WM benefits. Brain Res 2019; 1720:146324. [PMID: 31279843 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) can be improved after repeated training sessions paired with noninvasive neurostimulation techniques. Previously, we reported that WM training paired with tDCS succeeded behaviorally by enhancing anterior-posterior theta phase coherence and reducing alpha power. Here, in two experiments we tested several theta and alpha frequencies and two transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) montages in an effort to shortcut WM training while preserving behavioral gains. In Experiment 1, in separate sessions participants received online tACS at two frequencies derived from the previous study with the respective goal of improving and impairing WM performance. We selected the mean group peak value theta (7 Hz) to benefit WM and alpha (11 Hz) to impair WM. Stimulation (tACS) over right frontoparietal sites (F4-P4) during 3-back WM tasks (object, spatial) produced no behavioral consequences. In Experiment 2 we stimulated at a slower theta frequency (4.5 Hz), which was also significant in our prior study, and tested whether frontoparietal or bifrontal montages would be more effective at improving WM. This experiment revealed selectively improved object WM after right frontoparietal tACS alone. In summary, one session of tACS failed to produce the magnitude or breadth of WM gains observed after 4-10 tDCS-WM training sessions. In short, despite looking for loopholes we found little tACS savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T Jones
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Mail Stop 296, Reno, NV 89557, United States; Department of Neurology, Neuroscape, University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States.
| | - Hector Arciniega
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Mail Stop 296, Reno, NV 89557, United States
| | - Marian E Berryhill
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Mail Stop 296, Reno, NV 89557, United States
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26
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New perspectives for the modulation of mind-wandering using transcranial electric brain stimulation. Neuroscience 2019; 409:69-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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27
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Brunyé TT, Hussey EK, Fontes EB, Ward N. Modulating Applied Task Performance via Transcranial Electrical Stimulation. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:140. [PMID: 31114491 PMCID: PMC6503100 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Basic and applied research are increasingly adopting transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) for modulating perceptual, cognitive, affective, and motor processes. Industry and defense applications of tES hold potential for accelerating training and knowledge acquisition and sustaining work-related performance in the face of fatigue, workload, and stress. This mini-review article describes the promises and perils of tES, and reviews research testing its influence on two broad applied areas: sustaining and dividing attention, and operating in virtual environments. Also included is a discussion of challenges related to viable mechanistic explanations for tES effectiveness, attempts at replication and consideration of null results, and the potential importance of individual differences in predicting tES influences on human performance. Finally, future research directions are proposed to address these challenges and help develop a fuller understanding of tES viability for enhancing real-world performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tad T Brunyé
- Center for Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States.,U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Soldier Center (CCDC-SC), Natick, MA, United States.,Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Erika K Hussey
- Center for Applied Brain and Cognitive Sciences, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States.,U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Soldier Center (CCDC-SC), Natick, MA, United States
| | - Eduardo B Fontes
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States.,NEUROEX-Research Group in Physical Activity, Cognition and Behavior, Health Science Center, Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Nathan Ward
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States.,NEUROEX-Research Group in Physical Activity, Cognition and Behavior, Health Science Center, Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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28
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Lin YC, Wang YP. Status of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in the Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease. Chin Med J (Engl) 2019; 131:2899-2903. [PMID: 30539900 PMCID: PMC6302656 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.247217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Cong Lin
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yu-Ping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Beijing 100053; Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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29
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Hsu WY, Zanto TP, Gazzaley A. Parametric effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation on multitasking performance. Brain Stimul 2019; 12:73-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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30
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Boehler C, Asplund M. PEDOT as a high charge injection material for low-frequency stimulation. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2018; 2018:2202-2205. [PMID: 30440842 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2018.8512597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Alternating current stimulation (ACS) provides a versatile tool for modulating brain activity and presents a promising strategy for the treatment of neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease or epilepsy. Stimulation of neural tissue at low-frequency however poses new challenges on conventional electrode materials which support limited charge transfer in the desired frequency range, from less than 0.1 Hz to several tens of Hz. In our study we address this challenge by investigating the charge transfer properties of PEDOT/PSS coatings for low-frequency applications, focusing on the impact of the polymer bulk. PEDOT films of various thicknesses were exposed to low-frequency as well as DC stimulation textbfin vitro and compared to Pt and IrOx electrodes as controls. The charge injection performance of the metallic substrates could be substantially improved already by a thin PEDOT coating. Additionally a linear dependency between charge injection and polymer thickness suggests that PEDOT coatings are promising as materials for future ACS applications.
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31
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Frank B, Harty S, Kluge A, Cohen Kadosh R. Learning while multitasking: short and long-term benefits of brain stimulation. ERGONOMICS 2018; 61:1454-1463. [PMID: 30587084 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2018.1563722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We employed a simulated production task that mimics the real-world skill acquisition required of operators working in control rooms of power plants to assess short and long-term effects of transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS). tRNS has shown potential for enhancing learning and performance of cognitive skills. Forty subjects (24 female) learned how to execute the simulated production task during the training phase and were required to perform a secondary task during the skill acquisition phase while they received active (12 min) or sham tRNS on DLPFC. After 2 weeks they had to recall the task again without any stimulation. The results demonstrate that tRNS promoted better multitasking as reflected by better performance in a secondary task during and immediately after tRNS. However, 2 weeks later, beneficial effect of tRNS on retention was moderated by general mental ability. Particularly, tRNS benefited those with lower general mental ability. Practitioner summary: By using a simulated production task, we assessed the effects of tRNS on learning and skill retention. The study indicates that neurostimulation can enhance the learning of multiple complex tasks. Moreover, it shows that retention of those tasks can be supported by neurostimulation, especially for those with lower general mental ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Frank
- a Department of Work, Organisational and Business Psychology , Ruhr-University Bochum , Bochum , Germany
| | - S Harty
- b Department of Experimental Psychology , University of Oxford , Oxford , United Kingdom
| | - A Kluge
- a Department of Work, Organisational and Business Psychology , Ruhr-University Bochum , Bochum , Germany
| | - R Cohen Kadosh
- b Department of Experimental Psychology , University of Oxford , Oxford , United Kingdom
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32
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Modulation of Motor Learning Capacity by Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation. Neuroscience 2018; 391:131-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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33
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Berger A, Pixa NH, Steinberg F, Doppelmayr M. Brain Oscillatory and Hemodynamic Activity in a Bimanual Coordination Task Following Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS): A Combined EEG-fNIRS Study. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:67. [PMID: 29720935 PMCID: PMC5915568 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor control is associated with synchronized oscillatory activity at alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (12–30 Hz) frequencies in a cerebello-thalamo-cortical network. Previous studies demonstrated that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is capable of entraining ongoing oscillatory activity while also modulating motor control. However, the modulatory effects of tACS on both motor control and its underlying electro- and neurophysiological mechanisms remain ambiguous. Thus, the purpose of this study was to contribute to gathering neurophysiological knowledge regarding tACS effects by investigating the after-effects of 10 Hz tACS and 20 Hz tACS at parietal brain areas on bimanual coordination and its concurrent oscillatory and hemodynamic activity. Twenty-four right-handed healthy volunteers (12 females) aged between 18 and 30 (M = 22.35 ± 3.62) participated in the study and performed a coordination task requiring bimanual movements. Concurrent to bimanual motor training, participants received either 10 Hz tACS, 20 Hz tACS or a sham stimulation over the parietal cortex (at P3/P4 electrode positions) for 20 min via small gel electrodes (3,14 cm2 Ag/AgCl, amperage = 1 mA). Before and three time-points after tACS (immediately, 30 min and 1 day), bimanual coordination performance was assessed. Oscillatory activities were measured by electroencephalography (EEG) and hemodynamic changes were examined using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Improvements of bimanual coordination performance were not differently between groups, thus, no tACS-specific effect on bimanual coordination performance emerged. However, physiological measures during the task revealed significant increases in parietal alpha activity immediately following 10 Hz tACS and 20 Hz tACS which were accompanied by significant decreases of Hboxy concentration in the right hemispheric motor cortex compared to the sham group. Based on the physiological responses, we conclude that tACS applied at parietal brain areas provoked electrophysiological and hemodynamic changes at brain regions of the motor network which are relevant for bimanual motor behavior. The existence of neurophysiological alterations immediately following tACS, especially in the absence of behavioral effects, are elementary for a profound understanding of the mechanisms underlying tACS. The lack of behavioral modifications strengthens the need for further research on tACS effects on neurophysiology and behavior using combined electrophysiological and neuroimaging methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Berger
- Department of Sports Psychology, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nils H Pixa
- Department of Sports Psychology, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Fabian Steinberg
- Department of Sports Psychology, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Doppelmayr
- Department of Sports Psychology, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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