Diminished Risk-Aversion After Right DLPFC Stimulation: Effects of rTMS on a Risky Ball Throwing Task

Abstract

Objectives: Several studies on human risk taking and risk aversion have reported the involvement of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Yet, current knowledge of the neural mechanisms of risk-related decision making is not conclusive, mainly relying on studies using non-motor tasks. Here we examine how modulation of DLPFC activity by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) affects risk-taking behavior during a motor response task. Methods: One-Hertz rTMS to the right DLPFC was applied to monitor risk-taking and risk-aversion performance during a goal-directed risky task with motor response. Healthy participants were instructed to aim for a high score by throwing a ball as close to the ceiling as possible, while avoiding touching the ceiling with the ball. Results: One-Hertz rTMS stimulation to the right DLPFC significantly increased the frequency of ceiling hits, compared to Sham-stimulation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the right DLPFC is a valid target for manipulating risky behavior in tasks with a motor-response. Following rTMS stimulation participants' preference shifts toward immediate awards, while becoming significantly less sensitive to potential negative consequences. The results confirm that the right DLPFC is involved in impulse control in goal-directed executive tasks. (JINS, 2019, 25, 72–78)

Influence of theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on emotion processing in healthy volunteers

“…Perhaps different brain mechanisms are involved in performance on the CGT. Tulviste and Bachmann (2018) found that rTMS to the right DLPFC decreases risk-aversion, so it is possible that the left DLPFC is not actively involved in this pathway. Yang, Khalifa, and Völlm (2018a) found no significant changes regarding impulsivity following excitatory rTMS applied to the right inferior frontal gyrus.…”

Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Boosts Decision Making and Functional Impulsivity in Female Sports Referees

“…Astonishingly, recent findings have demonstrated that tDCS could have a modulatory effect on decision making and impulsivity in samples of healthy adults and individuals with gambling disorders [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Among different brain target areas, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and DLPFC have been deemed to play a pivotal role in risky decision making; this conjecture seems to be more conceivable for the right hemisphere of the brain [ 24 , 27 ]. In this regard, Soyata et al [ 26 ] reported that applying 20 min of anodal tDCS over the right DLPFC area improved the decision making and cognitive flexibility of male participants with gambling disorders.…”

“…Astonishingly, recent findings have demonstrated that tDCS could have a modulatory effect on decision making and impulsivity in samples of healthy adults and individuals with gambling disorders [24][25][26][27]. Among different brain target areas, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and DLPFC have been deemed to play a pivotal role in risky decision making; this conjecture seems to be more conceivable for the right hemisphere of the brain [24,27].…”

Modulatory effect of non-invasive prefrontal brain stimulation on risk-taking behaviours in humans: preliminary insight on the influence of personality traits

“…TMS evidence suggested that disruption of either the left lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) (Figner et al ., 2010) or the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (Knoch et al ., 2006; Tulviste and Bachmann, 2019) increase impulsivity and risk-taking behaviour. Additionally, right anodal/left cathodal dual tDCS on the DLPFC increases response confidence (Minati et al ., 2012), reduces risk-taking behaviour (Fecteau, Knoch, et al ., 2007; Cheng and Lee, 2016), and unpromoted risk-taking strategies that avoid the risk of no reward (Ota et al ., 2019).…”

“…TMS evidence suggested that disruption of either the left lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) (Figner et al, 2010) or the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (Knoch et al, 2006;Tulviste and Bachmann, 2019) increase impulsivity and risk-taking behaviour.…”