Brain-state determines learning improvements after transcranial alternating-current stimulation to frontal cortex

作者：Nguyen John; Deng Yuqi; Reinhart Robert M G^*

来源：Brain Stimulation, 2018, 11(4): 723-726.

DOI：10.1016/j.brs.2018.02.008

• Transcranial alternating-current stimulation
• Learning
• Medial frontal cortex
• Lateral prefrontal cortex

Background: Theories of executive control propose that communication between medial frontal cortex (MFC) and lateral prefrontal cortex (IPFC) is critical for learning. 6-Hz phase synchronization may be the mechanism by which neural activity between MFC and IPFC is coordinated into a functional network. Recent evidence suggests that switching from eyes closed to open may induce a change in brain-state reflected by enhanced executive control and related functional connectivity.
Objective/Hypothesis: To examine whether causal manipulation of MFC and IPFC can improve learning according to the brain-state induced by switching from eyes closed to open.
Methods: Within-subjects, sham-controlled, double-blind study of 30 healthy subjects, each receiving 6Hz in-phase high definition transcranial alternating-current stimulation (HD-tACS) applied to MFC and right IPFC prior to performing a time estimation task.
Results: HD tACS with eyes open improved learning ability relative to sham, whereas HD-tACS with eyes closed had no significant effect on behavior.
Conclusion: Results suggest a phase-sensitive mechanism in frontal cortex mediates components of learning performance in a state-dependent manner.

• 出版日期2018-8