Neuromodulating the performance monitoring network during conflict and error processing in healthy populations: Insights from transcranial electric stimulation studies

Abstract

The performance monitoring system is fundamentally important for adapting one’s own behavior in conflicting and error-prone, highly demanding circumstances. Flexible behavior requires that neuronal populations optimize information processing through efficient multi-scale communication. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) fields to alter the cortical activity promise to illuminate the neurophysiological mechanisms that underpin neuro-cognitive and behavioral processing and their causal relationship. Here, we focus on the transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) that have been increasingly used in cognitive neuroscience for modulating superficial neural networks in a polarity (tDCS) and frequency/phase (tACS) fashion. Specifically, we discuss recent evidence showing how tDCS and tACS modulate the performance monitoring network in neurotypical samples. Emphasis is given to studies using behavioral tasks tapping conflict and error processing such as the Stroop, the Flanker, and the Simon tasks. The crucial role of mid-frontal brain regions (such as the medial frontal cortex, MFC; and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, dACC) and of theta synchronization in monitoring conflict and error is highlighted. We also discuss current technological limitations (e.g., spatial resolution) and the specific methodological strategies needed to properly modulate the cortical and subcortical regions.

Functional role of the theory of mind network in integrating mentalistic prior information with action kinematics during action observation

“…We provide evidence for the role of the dmPFC and the pSTS for accurate mental state inferences during action observation. Although more experimental evidence is required to complement our findings, using deceptive videos adequately informative about the actor's intentions, or employingfor example -advanced neurostimulation technique, such as the transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (tFUS, Darmani et al, 2022) with its unprecedented spatial selectivity, or innovative approaches such as the High Definition -Trancranial Electrical Stimulation (HD-tES; Fusco et al, 2022), the current study suggests a differential contribution of human frontal and temporal brain areas during action observation. While dmPFC may have a specific function in biasing judgments about others' mental states towards negative or unexpected contents, pSTS seems to be sensitive to the congruency between the observed actions and their underlying intentions, having a role in representing not only biological motions, but how other persons' movements are coherently related to their intention.…”

Transcranial alternating current stimulation in affecting cognitive impairment in psychiatric disorders: a review

“…Manipulation with EOs by tACS results in changes in cognitive performance in healthy adults (for full review see [ 11 ], for meta-analysis of effects see [ 12 ]). In studies with healthy participants, tACS is used to reveal the precise mechanisms underlying the particular cognitive domains, such as modulating conflict and error processing through frontal midline theta-tACS [ 13 ], but also for neuroenhancement, such as that of working memory [ 14 ] or long-term memory [ 15 ]. Therefore, tACS might constitute a suitable intervention targeting CI in psychiatric patients.…”

Effects of θ High Definition-Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex on the Dominance of Attention Focus in Standing Postural Control

“…In addition, tACS has been reported to temporarily change cognitive function [ 12 ] and physical performance [ 13 ]. Researchers also found tACS in the theta frequency band to the midfrontal area increased immersion in virtual reality [ 14 ] and improved post-error behavioral coordination [ 15 , 16 ]. It has also been shown to improve working memory [ 17 , 18 ], memory capacity [ 19 ], and fluid intelligence [ 20 ].…”