Exploring the intra-individual reliability of tDCS: A registered report

Willmot, Nicholas; Leow, Li-Ann; Filmer, Hannah L.; Dux, Paul E.

doi:10.1016/j.cortex.2023.12.015

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…However, recent reviews have noted substantial methodological variability, frequent lack of rigorous experimental control and overall, highly variable outcomes within and between studies ( Galli et al, 2019 ; Lee et al, 2021 ; Lavezzi et al, 2022 ). Moreover, several recent registered reports have reported weak effects of tDCS, limited intra-individual reliability of tDCS responses or failed to replicate previous studies ( Boayue et al, 2020 ; Alexandersen et al, 2022 ; Willmot et al, 2024 ). Nonetheless, a substantial body of research has demonstrated potential positive effects of tDCS on behavior and brain function, but the aforementioned issues also suggest that the current “state-of-the-art” may not yet be suited for translational applications.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 81%

Investigating the neural mechanisms of transcranial direct current stimulation effects on human cognition: current issues and potential solutions

Meinzer,

Shahbabaie,

Antonenko

et al. 2024

Front. Neurosci.

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Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been studied extensively for its potential to enhance human cognitive functions in healthy individuals and to treat cognitive impairment in various clinical populations. However, little is known about how tDCS modulates the neural networks supporting cognition and the complex interplay with mediating factors that may explain the frequently observed variability of stimulation effects within and between studies. Moreover, research in this field has been characterized by substantial methodological variability, frequent lack of rigorous experimental control and small sample sizes, thereby limiting the generalizability of findings and translational potential of tDCS. The present manuscript aims to delineate how these important issues can be addressed within a neuroimaging context, to reveal the neural underpinnings, predictors and mediators of tDCS-induced behavioral modulation. We will focus on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), because it allows the investigation of tDCS effects with excellent spatial precision and sufficient temporal resolution across the entire brain. Moreover, high resolution structural imaging data can be acquired for precise localization of stimulation effects, verification of electrode positions on the scalp and realistic current modeling based on individual head and brain anatomy. However, the general principles outlined in this review will also be applicable to other imaging modalities. Following an introduction to the overall state-of-the-art in this field, we will discuss in more detail the underlying causes of variability in previous tDCS studies. Moreover, we will elaborate on design considerations for tDCS-fMRI studies, optimization of tDCS and imaging protocols and how to assure high-level experimental control. Two additional sections address the pressing need for more systematic investigation of tDCS effects across the healthy human lifespan and implications for tDCS studies in age-associated disease, and potential benefits of establishing large-scale, multidisciplinary consortia for more coordinated tDCS research in the future. We hope that this review will contribute to more coordinated, methodologically sound, transparent and reproducible research in this field. Ultimately, our aim is to facilitate a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which tDCS modulates human cognitive functions and more effective and individually tailored translational and clinical applications of this technique in the future.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 81%

Investigating the neural mechanisms of transcranial direct current stimulation effects on human cognition: current issues and potential solutions

Meinzer,

Shahbabaie,

Antonenko

et al. 2024

Front. Neurosci.

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A study of long-term GABA and high-energy phosphate alterations in the primary motor cortex using anodal tDCS and 1H/31P MR spectroscopy

Patel,

Stollberg,

Choi

et al. 2024

Front. Hum. Neurosci.

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IntroductionAnodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been reported to modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid levels and cerebral energy consumption in the brain. This study aims to investigate long-term GABA and cerebral energy modulation following anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex.MethodTo assess GABA and energy level changes, proton and phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy data were acquired before and after anodal or sham tDCS. In anodal stimulation, a 1 mA current was applied for 20 min, and the duration of ramping the current up/down at the start and end of the intervention was 10 s. In the sham-stimulation condition, the current was first ramped up over a period of 10 s, then immediately ramped down, and the condition was maintained for the next 20 min.ResultsThe GABA concentration increased significantly following anodal stimulation in the first and second post-stimulation measurements. Likewise, both ATP/Pi and PCr/Pi ratios increased after anodal stimulation in the first and second post-stimulation measurements.ConclusionThe approach employed in this study shows the feasibility of measuring long-term modulation of GABA and high-energy phosphates following anodal tDCS targeting the left M1, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms of neuroplasticity and energy metabolism, which may have implications for applications of this intervention in clinical populations.

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Exploring the intra-individual reliability of tDCS: A registered report

Cited by 2 publications

References 81 publications

Investigating the neural mechanisms of transcranial direct current stimulation effects on human cognition: current issues and potential solutions

Investigating the neural mechanisms of transcranial direct current stimulation effects on human cognition: current issues and potential solutions

A study of long-term GABA and high-energy phosphate alterations in the primary motor cortex using anodal tDCS and 1H/31P MR spectroscopy

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