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Wan Y, Monai H. Transcranial direct current stimulation alters cerebrospinal fluid-interstitial fluid exchange in mouse brain. Brain Stimul 2024:S1935-861X(24)00067-6. [PMID: 38688399 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has gained prominence recently. Clinical studies have explored tDCS as an adjunct to neurologic disease rehabilitation, with evidence suggesting its potential in modulating brain clearance mechanisms. The glymphatic system, a proposed brain waste clearance system, posits that cerebrospinal fluid-interstitial fluid (CSF-ISF) exchange aids in efficient metabolic waste removal. While some studies have linked tDCS to astrocytes inositol trisphosphate (IP3)/Ca2+ signaling, the impact of tDCS on CSF-ISF exchange dynamics remains unclear. HYPOTHESIS tDCS influences the dynamics of CSF-ISF exchange through astrocytic IP3/Ca2+ signaling. METHODS In this study, we administered tDCS (0.1mA for 10 minutes) to C57BL/6 mice anesthetized with ketamine-xylazine (KX). The anode was positioned on the cranial bone above the cortex, and the cathode was inserted into the neck. Following tDCS, we directly assessed brain fluid dynamics by injecting biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) as a CSF tracer into the cisterna magna (CM). The brain was then extracted after either 30 or 60 minutes and fixed. After 24 hours, the sectioned brain slices were stained with Alexa 594-conjugated streptavidin (SA) to visualize BDA using immunohistochemistry. We conducted Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings and aquaporin 4 (AQP4)/CD31 immunostaining to investigate the underlying mechanisms of tDCS. Additionally, we monitored the efflux of Evans blue, injected into the cisterna magna, using cervical lymph node imaging. The experiments were subsequently repeated with inositol trisphosphate receptor type 2 (IP3R2)-knockout mice. RESULTS Post-tDCS, we observed an increased CSF tracer influx, indicating a modulation of CSF-ISF exchange by tDCS. Additionally, tDCS appeared to enhance the brain's metabolic waste efflux. EEG recordings showed an increase in delta wave post-tDCS. But no significant change in AQP4 expression was detected 30 minutes post-tDCS. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that tDCS augments the glymphatic system's influx and efflux. Through astrocyte IP3/Ca2+ signaling, tDCS was found to modify the delta wave, which correlates positively with brain clearance. This study underscores the potential of tDCS in modulating brain metabolic waste clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wan
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Ohtsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8610, Japan
| | - Hiromu Monai
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Ohtsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8610, Japan.
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Leow LA, Jiang J, Bowers S, Zhang Y, Dux PE, Filmer HL. Intensity-dependent effects of tDCS on motor learning are related to dopamine. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:553-560. [PMID: 38604563 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), are popular methods for inducing neuroplastic changes to alter cognition and behaviour. One challenge for the field is to optimise stimulation protocols to maximise benefits. For this to happen, we need a better understanding of how stimulation modulates cortical functioning/behaviour. To date, there is increasing evidence for a dose-response relationship between tDCS and brain excitability, however how this relates to behaviour is not well understood. Even less is known about the neurochemical mechanisms which may drive the dose-response relationship between stimulation intensities and behaviour. Here, we examine the effect of three different tDCS stimulation intensities (1 mA, 2 mA, 4 mA anodal motor cortex tDCS) administered during the explicit learning of motor sequences. Further, to assess the role of dopamine in the dose-response relationship between tDCS intensities and behaviour, we examined how pharmacologically increasing dopamine availability, via 100 mg of levodopa, modulated the effect of stimulation on learning. In the absence of levodopa, we found that 4 mA tDCS improved and 1 mA tDCS impaired acquisition of motor sequences relative to sham stimulation. Conversely, levodopa reversed the beneficial effect of 4 mA tDCS. This effect of levodopa was no longer evident at the 48-h follow-up, consistent with previous work characterising the persistence of neuroplastic changes in the motor cortex resulting from combining levodopa with tDCS. These results provide the first direct evidence for a role of dopamine in the intensity-dependent effects of tDCS on behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ann Leow
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia; Edith Cowan University, St Lucia, Australia.
| | - Jiaqin Jiang
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Samantha Bowers
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Paul E Dux
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Hannah L Filmer
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
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Yang J, Tao M, Liu R, Fang J, Li C, Chen D, Wei Q, Xiong X, Zhao W, Tan W, Han Y, Zhang H, Liu H, Zhang S, Cao J. Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on postoperative sleep disturbance in older patients undergoing lower limb major arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blind, pilot, randomised controlled trial. Gen Psychiatr 2024; 37:e101173. [PMID: 38562406 PMCID: PMC10982692 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2023-101173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Postoperative sleep disturbance (PSD) is a common and serious postoperative complication and is associated with poor postoperative outcomes. Aims This study aimed to investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on PSD in older patients undergoing lower limb major arthroplasty. Methods In this prospective, double-blind, pilot, randomised, sham-controlled trial, patients 65 years and over undergoing lower limb major arthroplasty were randomly assigned to receive active tDCS (a-tDCS) or sham tDCS (s-tDCS). The primary outcomes were the objective sleep measures on postoperative nights (N) 1 and N2. Results 116 inpatients were assessed for eligibility, and a total of 92 patients were enrolled; 47 received a-tDCS and 45 received s-tDCS. tDCS improved PSD by altering the following sleep measures in the a-tDCS and s-tDCS groups; the respective comparisons were as follows: the promotion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time on N1 (64.5 (33.5-105.5) vs 19.0 (0.0, 45.0) min, F=20.10, p<0.001) and N2 (75.0 (36.0-120.8) vs 30.0 (1.3-59.3) min, F=12.55, p<0.001); the total sleep time on N1 (506.0 (408.0-561.0) vs 392.0 (243.0-483.5) min, F=14.13, p<0.001) and N2 (488.5 (455.5-548.5) vs 346.0 (286.5-517.5) min, F=7.36, p=0.007); the deep sleep time on N1 (130.0 (103.3-177.0) vs 42.5 (9.8-100.8) min, F=24.4, p<0.001) and N2 (103.5 (46.0-154.8) vs 57.5 (23.3-106.5) min, F=8.4, p=0.004); and the percentages of light sleep and REM sleep on N1 and N2 (p<0.05 for each). The postoperative depression and anxiety scores did not differ significantly between the two groups. No significant adverse events were reported. Conclusion In older patients undergoing lower limb major arthroplasty, a single session of anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex showed a potentially prophylactic effect in improving postoperative short-term objective sleep measures. However, this benefit was temporary and was not maintained over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingshu Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Applied Technology of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rongguang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Applied Technology of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaxing Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Applied Technology of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Applied Technology of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dexian Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Applied Technology of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Applied Technology of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingyu Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Applied Technology of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenxin Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Applied Technology of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen Tan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Applied Technology of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Applied Technology of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - He Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology & Clinical Research Center for Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine & Huzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Research and Clinical Translation for Neuromodulation, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University || Huzhou Central Hospital || The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine || Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junli Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs & Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Applied Technology of Anesthesia and Analgesia, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Laakso I, Tani K, Gomez-Tames J, Hirata A, Tanaka S. Small effects of electric field on motor cortical excitability following anodal tDCS. iScience 2024; 27:108967. [PMID: 38352229 PMCID: PMC10863330 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The dose-response characteristics of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) remain uncertain but may be related to variability in brain electric fields due to individual anatomical factors. Here, we investigated whether the electric fields influence the responses to motor cortical tDCS. In a randomized cross-over design, 21 participants underwent 10 min of anodal tDCS with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 mA or sham. Compared to sham, all active conditions increased the size of motor evoked potentials (MEP) normalized to the pre-tDCS baseline, irrespective of anterior or posterior magnetic test stimuli. The electric field calculated in the motor cortex of each participant had a nonlinear effect on the normalized MEP size, but its effects were small compared to those of other participant-specific factors. The findings support the efficacy of anodal tDCS in enhancing the MEP size but do not demonstrate any benefits of personalized electric field modeling in explaining tDCS response variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilkka Laakso
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Keisuke Tani
- Faculty of Psychology, Otemon Gakuin University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-8502, Japan
| | - Jose Gomez-Tames
- Department of Medical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Akimasa Hirata
- Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
- Center of Biomedical Physics and Information Technology, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Psychology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3125, Japan
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Taso M, Alsop DC. Arterial Spin Labeling Perfusion Imaging. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2024; 32:63-72. [PMID: 38007283 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2023.08.005] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive imaging of tissue perfusion is a valuable tool for both research and clinical applications. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a contrast-free perfusion imaging method that enables measuring and quantifying tissue blood flow using MR imaging. ASL uses radiofrequency and magnetic field gradient pulses to label arterial blood water, which then serves as an endogenous tracer. This review highlights the basic mechanism of ASL perfusion imaging, labeling strategies, and quantification. ASL has been widely used during the past 30 years for the study of normal brain function as well as in multiple neurovascular, neuro-oncological and degenerative pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Taso
- Division of MRI Research, Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David C Alsop
- Division of MRI Research, Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Leaver AM. Perceptual and cognitive effects of focal tDCS of auditory cortex in tinnitus. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.31.24302093. [PMID: 38352362 PMCID: PMC10863023 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.24302093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Noninvasive brain stimulation continues to grow as an effective, low-risk way of improving the symptoms of brain conditions. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is particularly well-tolerated, with benefits including low cost and potential portability. Nevertheless, continued study of perceptual and cognitive side effects is warranted, given the complexity of functional brain organization. This paper describes the results of a brief battery of tablet-based tasks used in a recent pilot study of auditory-cortex tDCS in people with chronic tinnitus. METHODS Volunteers with chronic tinnitus (n=20) completed two hearing tasks (pure-tone thresholds, Words In Noise) and two cognitive tasks (Flanker, Dimension Change Card Sort) from the NIH Toolbox. Volunteers were randomized to active or sham 4×1 Ag/AgCl tDCS of auditory cortex, and tasks were completed immediately before and after the first tDCS session, and after the fifth/final tDCS session. Statistics included linear mixed-effects models for change in task performance over time. RESULTS Before tDCS, performance on both auditory tasks was highly correlated with clinical audiometry, supporting the external validity of these measures (r2>0.89 for all). Although overall auditory task performance did not change after active or sham tDCS, detection of right-ear Words in Noise stimuli modestly improved after five active tDCS sessions (t(34)=-2.07, p=0.05). On cognitive tasks, reaction times were quicker after sham tDCS, reflecting expected practice effects (e.g., t(88)=3.22, p=0.002 after 5 sessions on Flanker task). However, reaction times did not improve over repeated sessions in the active group, suggesting that tDCS interfered with learning these practice effects. CONCLUSIONS Repeated sessions of auditory-cortex tDCS does not appear to adversely affect hearing or cognition, but may modestly improve hearing in noisy environments and interfere with some types of motor learning. Low-burden cognitive/perceptual test batteries could be a powerful way to identify adverse effects and new treatment targets in brain stimulation research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber M. Leaver
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Jung DH, Lee JH, Lee HJ, Park JW, Jung YJ, Shin HK, Choi BT. Therapeutic effects of a novel electrode for transcranial direct current stimulation in ischemic stroke mice. Theranostics 2024; 14:1325-1343. [PMID: 38389833 PMCID: PMC10879864 DOI: 10.7150/thno.90779] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a promising stimulation tool to modulate a wide range of brain disorders, has major limitations, such as poor cortical stimulation intensity and focality. We designed a novel electrode for tDCS by conjugating a needle to a conventional ring-based high-definition (HD) electrode to enhance cortical stimulation efficacy. Method: HD-tDCS (43 µA/mm2, charge density 51.6 kC/m2, 20 min) was administered to male C57BL/6J mice subjected to early-stage ischemic stroke. Behavioral tests were employed to determine the therapeutic effects, and the underlying mechanisms of HD-tDCS were determined by performing RNA sequencing and other biomedical analyses. Results: The new HD-tDCS application, showing a higher electric potential and spatial focality based on computational modeling, demonstrated better therapeutic effects than conventional HD-tDCS in alleviating motor and cognitive deficits, with a decrease in infarct volume and inflammatory response. We assessed different electrode configurations in the new HD electrode; the configurations variously showed potent therapeutic effects, ameliorating neuronal death in the peri-infarct region via N-methyl-D-aspartate-dependent sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 signaling and related inflammatory factors, further alleviating motor and cognitive deficits in stroke. Conclusion: This new HD-tDCS application showed better therapeutic effects than those with conventional HD-tDCS in early-stage stroke via the amelioration of neuronal death in the penumbra. It may be applied in the early stages of stroke to alleviate neurological impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Hee Jung
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Training Program of Korean Medical Therapeutics for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ho Lee
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Training Program of Korean Medical Therapeutics for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Ju Lee
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang Woo Park
- Korea Radioisotope Center for Pharmaceuticals, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jin Jung
- School of Healthcare and Biomedical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Kyoung Shin
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Training Program of Korean Medical Therapeutics for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Tae Choi
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Training Program of Korean Medical Therapeutics for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
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Sánchez-González JL, Díez-Villoria E, Pérez-Robledo F, Sanz-Esteban I, Llamas-Ramos I, Llamas-Ramos R, de la Fuente A, Bermejo-Gil BM, Canal-Bedia R, Martín-Nogueras AM. Synergy of Muscle and Cortical Activation through Vojta Reflex Locomotion Therapy in Young Healthy Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3203. [PMID: 38137425 PMCID: PMC10740470 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123203] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vojta Therapy is a neurorehabilitation therapy that allows to activate reflex movement patterns. The scientific literature has shown its ability to generate muscle contractions. The activation of brain neural networks has also been proven. However, the relationship between these processes has not yet been demonstrated. For this reason, the aim of this study is to verify brain activation produced by recording with near-infrared spectroscopy and its relationship with muscle activation produced in the abdominal muscles recorded with surface electromyography. METHODS A total sample of 27 healthy subjects over 18 years of age was recruited. An experimental study on a cohort was conducted. Two experimental conditions were considered: stimuli according to the Vojta protocol, and a control non-stimuli condition. Abdominal muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography, and the activation of the motor cortex was assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS In relation to the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (HbO), an interaction between the stimulation phase and group was observed. Specifically, the Vojta stimulation group exhibited an increase in concentration from the baseline phase to the first resting period in the right hemisphere, contralateral to the stimulation area. This rise coincided with an enhanced wavelet coherence between the HbO concentration and the electromyography (EMG) signal within a gamma frequency band (very low frequency) during the first resting period. CONCLUSIONS The results underscore the neurophysiological effects on the brain following tactile stimulation via Vojta Therapy, highlighting increased activity in pivotal areas essential for sensory processing, motor planning, and control. This activation, particularly evident in the Vojta stimulation group, aligns with previous findings, suggesting that tactile stimuli can not only evoke the intention to move but can also initiate actual muscle contractions, emphasizing the therapy's potential in enhancing innate locomotion and rolling movements in patients with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Luis Sánchez-González
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
| | - Emiliano Díez-Villoria
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo-InFoAutismo, INICO-Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad and Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (E.D.-V.); (R.C.-B.)
| | - Fátima Pérez-Robledo
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
| | - Ismael Sanz-Esteban
- Physical Therapy and Health Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Inés Llamas-Ramos
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
- University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rocío Llamas-Ramos
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
| | - Antonio de la Fuente
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla and León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Avenida Alfonso X El Sabio s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Beatriz María Bermejo-Gil
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
| | - Ricardo Canal-Bedia
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo-InFoAutismo, INICO-Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad and Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (E.D.-V.); (R.C.-B.)
| | - Ana María Martín-Nogueras
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla and León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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Khalil R, Karim AA, Godde B. Less might be more: 1 mA but not 1.5 mA of tDCS improves tactile orientation discrimination. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 15:186-192. [PMID: 37746157 PMCID: PMC10511473 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a frequently used brain stimulation method; however, studies on tactile perception using tDCS are inconsistent, which might be explained by the variations in endogenous and exogenous parameters that influence tDCS. Objectives We aimed to investigate the effect of one of these endogenous parameters-the tDCS amplitude-on tactile perception. Methods We conducted this experiment on 28 undergraduates/graduates aged 18-36 years. In separate sessions, participants received 20 min of 1 mA or 1.5 mA current tDCS in a counterbalanced order. Half of the participants received anodal tDCS of the left SI coupled with cathodal tDCS of the right SI, and this montage was reversed for the other half. Pre- and post-tDCS tactile discrimination performance was assessed using the Grating Orientation Task (GOT). In this task, plastic domes with gratings of different widths cut into their surfaces are placed on the fingertip, and participants have to rate the orientation of the gratings. Results Linear modeling with amplitude, dome, and session as within factors and montage as between factors revealed the following: significant main effects of grating width, montage, and session and a marginally significant interaction effect of session and amplitude. Posthoc t-tests indicated that performance in GOT improved after 1 mA but not 1.5 mA tDCS independent of the montage pattern of the electrodes. Conclusion Increasing the stimulation amplitude from 1 mA to 1.5 mA does not facilitate the tDCS effect on GOT performance. On the contrary, the effect seemed more robust for the lower-current amplitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Khalil
- School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ahmed A. Karim
- School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Health Psychology and Neurorehabilitation, SRH Mobile University, Riedlingen, Germany
| | - Ben Godde
- School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
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Shinde A, Nagarajan R, Gunduz ME, Visintainer P, Schlaug G. Assessing the Dose-Dependent Effects of tDCS on Neurometabolites using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.13.544864. [PMID: 37398447 PMCID: PMC10312761 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.13.544864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Concurrent transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ( 1 H MRS) experiments have shown up- or downregulation of neurotransmitter concentration. However, effects have been modest applying mostly lower current doses and not all studies found significant effects. Dose of stimulation might be an important variable in eliciting a consistent response. To investigate dose effects of tDCS on neurometabolites, we placed an electrode over the left supraorbital region (with a return electrode over the right mastoid bone) and utilized an MRS voxel (3x3x3cm) that was centered over the anterior cingulate/inferior mesial prefrontal region which is in the path of the current distribution. We conducted 5 epochs of acquisition, each one with a 9:18min acquisition time, and applied tDCS in the third epoch. We observed significant dose and polarity dependent modulation of GABA and to a lesser degree of Glutamine/Glutamate (GLX) with the highest and reliable changes seen with the highest current dose, 5mA (current density 0.39 mA/cm 2 ), during and after the stimulation epoch compared with pre-stimulation baselines. The strong effect on GABA concentration (achieving a mean change of 63% from baseline, more than twice as much as reported with lower doses of stimulation) establishes tDCS-dose as an important parameter in eliciting a regional brain engagement and response. Furthermore, our experimental design in examining tDCS parameters and effects using shorter epochs of acquisitions might constitute a framework to explore the tDCS parameter space further and establish measures of regional engagement by non-invasive brain-stimulation.
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11
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Ross DA, Shinde AB, Lerud KD, Schlaug G. Multielectrode Network Stimulation (ME-NETS) demonstrated by concurrent tDCS and fMRI. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.13.544867. [PMID: 37398497 PMCID: PMC10312777 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.13.544867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate activity of targeted brain regions. Whether tDCS can reliably and repeatedly modulate intrinsic connectivity of entire brain networks is unclear. We used concurrent tDCS-MRI to investigate the effect of high dose anodal tDCS on resting state connectivity within the Arcuate Fasciculus (AF) network, which spans the temporal, parietal, and frontal lobes and is connected via a structural backbone, the Arcuate Fasciculus (AF) white matter tract. Effects of high-dose tDCS (4mA) delivered via a single electrode placed over one of the AF nodes (single electrode stimulation, SE-S) was compared to the same dose split between multiple electrodes placed over AF-network nodes (multielectrode network stimulation, ME-NETS). While both SE-S and ME-NETS significantly modulated connectivity between AF network nodes (increasing connectivity during stimulation epochs), ME-NETS had a significantly larger and more reliable effect than SE-S. Moreover, comparison with a control network, the Inferior Longitudinal Fasciculus (ILF) network suggested that the effect of ME-NETS on connectivity was specific to the targeted AF-network. This finding was further supported by the results of a seed-to-voxel analysis wherein we found ME-NETS primarily modulated connectivity between AF-network nodes. Finally, an exploratory analysis looking at dynamic connectivity using sliding window correlation found strong and immediate modulation of connectivity during three stimulation epochs within the same imaging session.
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12
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Figeys M, Loucks TM, Leung AWS, Kim ES. Transcranial direct current stimulation over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex increases oxyhemoglobin concentration and cognitive performance dependent on cognitive load. Behav Brain Res 2023; 443:114343. [PMID: 36787866 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been explored as a potential method for cognitive enhancement. tDCS may induce a cascade of neurophysiological changes including alterations in cerebral oxygenation. However, the effects of tDCS on the cognitive-cerebral oxygenation interaction remains unclear. Further, oxygenation variability across individuals remains minimally controlled for. The purpose of this sham-controlled study was to test the effects of anodal tDCS over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on the interaction between working memory and cerebral oxygenation while controlling for individual oxygenation variability. Thirty-three adults received resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) recordings over bilateral prefrontal cortices. Following this, working memory was tested using a Toulouse n-back task concurrently paired with fNIRS, with measurements taken before and after 20 min of anodal or sham tDCS at 1.5 mA. With individual oxygenation controlled for, anodal tDCS was found to increase the oxyhemoglobin concentration over the right DLPFC during the 2-back (q = .015) and 3-back (q = .008) conditions. Additionally, anodal tDCS was found to improve accuracy during the 3-back task by 13.4 % (p = .028) and decrease latency by 250 ms (p = .013). The increase in oxyhemoglobin was strongly correlated with increases in accuracy (p = .041) and decreases in latency during the 3-back span (p = .017). Taken together, anodal tDCS over the right DLPFC was found to regionally increase oxyhemoglobin concentrations and improve working memory performance in higher cognitive load conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Figeys
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2G4, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Torrey M Loucks
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, School of Applied Health Sciences, Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences, Jacksonville University - Palm Coast Campus, FL, United States
| | - Ada W S Leung
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2G4, Alberta, Canada; Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2G4, Alberta, Canada
| | - Esther S Kim
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2G4, Alberta, Canada; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2G4, Alberta, Canada
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Li KP, Wu JJ, Zhou ZL, Xu DS, Zheng MX, Hua XY, Xu JG. Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Neurorehabilitation in Post-Stroke Patients. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030451. [PMID: 36979261 PMCID: PMC10046557 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterized by high morbidity, mortality, and disability, stroke usually causes symptoms of cerebral hypoxia due to a sudden blockage or rupture of brain vessels, and it seriously threatens human life and health. Rehabilitation is the essential treatment for post-stroke patients suffering from functional impairments, through which hemiparesis, aphasia, dysphagia, unilateral neglect, depression, and cognitive dysfunction can be restored to various degrees. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a popular neuromodulatory technology of rehabilitation focusing on the local cerebral cortex, which can improve clinical functions by regulating the excitability of corresponding neurons. Increasing evidence has been obtained from the clinical application of NIBS, especially repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). However, without a standardized protocol, existing studies on NIBS show a wide variation in terms of stimulation site, frequency, intensity, dosage, and other parameters. Its application for neurorehabilitation in post-stroke patients is still limited. With advances in neuronavigation technologies, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and functional MRI, specific brain regions can be precisely located for stimulation. On the basis of our further understanding on neural circuits, neuromodulation in post-stroke rehabilitation has also evolved from single-target stimulation to co-stimulation of two or more targets, even circuits and the network. The present study aims to review the findings of current research, discuss future directions of NIBS application, and finally promote the use of NIBS in post-stroke rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Peng Li
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jia-Jia Wu
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Zong-Lei Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mou-Xiong Zheng
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
- Correspondence: (M.-X.Z.); (X.-Y.H.); (J.-G.X.)
| | - Xu-Yun Hua
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
- Correspondence: (M.-X.Z.); (X.-Y.H.); (J.-G.X.)
| | - Jian-Guang Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
- Correspondence: (M.-X.Z.); (X.-Y.H.); (J.-G.X.)
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14
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Hsu SP, Lu CF, Lin BF, Tang CW, Kuo IJ, Tsai YA, Guo CY, Lee PL, Shyu KK, Niddam DM, Lee IH. Effects of bihemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation on motor recovery in subacute stroke patients: a double-blind, randomized sham-controlled trial. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:27. [PMID: 36849990 PMCID: PMC9969953 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01153-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bihemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) can simultaneously modulate bilateral corticospinal excitability and interhemispheric interaction. However, how tDCS affects subacute stroke recovery remains unclear. We investigated the effects of bihemispheric tDCS on motor recovery in subacute stroke patients. METHODS We enrolled subacute inpatients who had first-ever ischemic stroke at subcortical regions and moderate-to-severe baseline Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) score 2-56. Participants between 14 and 28 days after stroke were double-blind, randomly assigned (1:1) to receive real (n = 13) or sham (n = 14) bihemispheric tDCS (with ipsilesional M1 anode and contralesional M1 cathode, 20 min, 2 mA) during task practice twice daily for 20 sessions in two weeks. Residual integrity of the ipsilesional corticospinal tract was stratified between groups. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in FMA-UE score from baseline (responder as an increase ≥ 10). The secondary measures included changes in the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), FMA-Lower Extremity (FMA-LE) and explorative resting-state MRI functional connectivity (FC) of target regions after intervention and three months post-stroke. RESULTS Twenty-seven participants completed the study without significant adverse effects. Nineteen patients (70%) had no recordable baseline motor-evoked potentials (MEP-negative) from the paretic forearm. Compared with the sham group, the real tDCS group showed enhanced improvement of FMA-UE after intervention (p < 0.01, effect size η2 = 0.211; responder rate: 77% vs. 36%, p = 0.031), which sustained three months post-stroke (p < 0.01), but not ARAT. Interestingly, in the MEP-negative subgroup analysis, the FMA-UE improvement remained but delayed. Additionally, the FMA-LE improvement after real tDCS was not significantly greater until three months post-stroke (p < 0.01). We found that the individual FMA-UE improvements after real tDCS were associated with bilateral intrahemispheric, rather than interhemispheric, FC strengths in the targeted cortices, while the improvements after sham tDCS were associated with predominantly ipsilesional FC changes after adjustment for age and sex (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Bihemispheric tDCS during task-oriented training may facilitate motor recovery in subacute stroke patients, even with compromised corticospinal tract integrity. Further studies are warranted for tDCS efficacy and network-specific neuromodulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: (ID: NCT02731508).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Pin Hsu
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Feng Lu
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Fong Lin
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Tang
- Department of Neurology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - I-Ju Kuo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yun-An Tsai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Yu Guo
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Lei Lee
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Kai Shyu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - David M Niddam
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - I-Hui Lee
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan. .,Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City, 11217, Taiwan. .,Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan.
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15
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Sacca V, Maleki N, Wen Y, Hodges S, Kong J. Modulation Effects of Repeated Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation at the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex: A Pulsed Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030395. [PMID: 36979205 PMCID: PMC10046672 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising non-invasive method to modulate brain excitability. The aim of this study was to better understand the cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes during and after repeated tDCS at the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in healthy participants using pulsed continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL). Elucidating CBF changes associated with repeated tDCS may shed light on the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of tDCS. tDCS was applied for three consecutive days for 20 min at 2 mA, and MRI scans were performed on day 1 and 3. During anodal tDCS, increased CBF was detected in the bilateral thalamus on day 1 and 3 (12% on day 1 and of 14% on day 3) and in the insula on day 1 (12%). After anodal tDCS on day 1, increased CBF was detected in the cerebellum and occipital lobe (11.8%), while both cathodal and sham tDCS were associated with increased CBF in the insula (11% and 10%, respectively). Moreover, anodal tDCS led to increased CBF in the lateral prefrontal cortex and midcingulate cortex in comparison to the sham. These findings suggest that tDCS can modulate the CBF and different tDCS modes may lead to different effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jian Kong
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-726-7893
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16
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Left Prefrontal tDCS during Learning Does Not Enhance Subsequent Verbal Episodic Memory in Young Adults: Results from Two Double-Blind and Sham-Controlled Experiments. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020241. [PMID: 36831783 PMCID: PMC9954521 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the prefrontal cortex (PFaC) may enhance episodic memory ability. As such, there is ongoing interest in the therapeutic potential of this technique in age-related memory decline. At the same time, the findings are not yet conclusive regarding the magnitude of this effect, and assumptions regarding underlying brain mechanisms of stimulation-induced changes in behaviour are yet to be tested in detail. Here, we evaluated the effect of tDCS over left PFC on verbal episodic memory in young adults. Two separate randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled experiments were carried out using (1) incidental learning followed by a recognition test and (2) intentional learning followed by a free recall. In both studies, participants performed a learning task with active or sham tDCS during the encoding period, followed by retrieval tasks on the same day and the next day. The results suggest that, contrary to expectations, active tDCS did not enhance memory performance relative to sham tDCS. Possible reasons behind the lack of enhancement effects are discussed, including the possibility that memory enhancement effects of tDCS may be smaller than first thought. Scientific practices that could improve estimation accuracy in the field are also discussed.
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Hsu G, Shereen AD, Cohen LG, Parra LC. Robust enhancement of motor sequence learning with 4 mA transcranial electric stimulation. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:56-67. [PMID: 36574814 PMCID: PMC10171179 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Motor learning experiments with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at 2 mA have produced mixed results. We hypothesize that tDCS boosts motor learning provided sufficiently high field intensity on the motor cortex. METHODS In a single-blinded design, 108 healthy participants received either anodal (N = 36) or cathodal (N = 36) tDCS at 4 mA total, or no stimulation (N = 36) while they practiced a 12-min sequence learning task. Anodal stimulation was delivered across four electrode pairs (1 mA each), with anodes above the right parietal lobe and cathodes above the right frontal lobe. Cathodal stimulation, with reversed polarities, served as an active control for sensation, while the no-stimulation condition established baseline performance. fMRI-localized targets on the primary motor cortex in 10 subjects were used in current flow models to optimize electrode placement for maximal field intensity. A single electrode montage was then selected for all participants. RESULTS We found a significant difference in performance with anodal vs. cathodal stimulation (Cohen's d = 0.71) and vs. no stimulation (d = 0.56). This effect persisted for at least 1 h, and subsequent learning for a new sequence and the opposite hand also improved. Sensation ratings were comparable in the active groups and did not exceed moderate levels. Current flow models suggest the new electrode montage can achieve stronger motor cortex polarization than alternative montages. CONCLUSION The present paradigm shows a medium to large effect size and is well-tolerated. It may serve as a go-to experiment for future studies on motor learning and tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
| | - A Duke Shereen
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, USA
| | - Leonardo G Cohen
- Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lucas C Parra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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MRI-Based Personalized Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Enhance the Upper Limb Function in Patients with Stroke: Study Protocol for a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121673. [PMID: 36552133 PMCID: PMC9775341 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to have the potential to improve the motor recovery of the affected upper limbs in patients with stroke, and recently, several optimized tDCS methods have been proposed to magnify its effectiveness. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of personalized tDCS using brain MRI-based electrical field simulation and optimization, to enhance motor recovery of the upper limbs in the patients. This trial is a double-blind, randomized controlled trial in the subacute to chronic rehabilitation phase. Forty-two adult stroke patients with unilateral upper limb involvement will be randomly allocated to three groups: (1) personalized tDCS with MRI-based electrical field simulation and optimized stimulation, (2) conventional tDCS with bihemispheric stimulation of the primary motor cortex, and (3) sham tDCS. All three groups will undergo 10 intervention sessions with 30 min of 2-mA intensity stimulation, during a regular upper limb rehabilitation program over two weeks. The primary outcome measure for the motor recovery of the upper limb impairment is the Fugl-Meyer assessment for the upper extremity score at the end of the intervention, and the secondary measures include changes in the motor evoked potentials, the frequency power and coherence of the electroencephalography, performance in activities of daily living, and adverse events with a 1-month follow-up assessment. The primary outcome will be analyzed on the intention-to-treat principle. There is a paucity of studies regarding the effectiveness of personalized and optimized tDCS that considers individual brain lesions and electrical field characteristics in the real world. No feasibility or pivotal studies have been performed in stroke patients using brain MRI, to determine a lesion-specific tDCS simulation and optimization that considers obstacles in the segmentation and analysis of the affected brain tissue, such as ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions. This trial will contribute to addressing the effectiveness and safety of personalized tDCS, using brain MRI-based electrical field simulation and optimization, to enhance the motor recovery of the upper limbs in patients with stroke.
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Transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex improves speech production in post-stroke dysarthric speakers: A randomized pilot study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275779. [PMID: 36227836 PMCID: PMC9560523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275779] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The current study investigated the therapeutic potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on speech intelligibility, speech-related physiological and vocal functions among post-stroke dysarthric patients. METHOD Nine chronic post-stroke dysarthric patients were randomly assigned to the stimulation or sham group. The stimulation group received 2mA of anodal tDCS over the left inferior primary motor cortex for 15 minutes, while the sham group received 30s of stimulation under the same settings. All the participants received 10 daily 15 minutes of individualized speech therapy targeting their dominant phonological process or phonemes with the greatest difficulty. The outcome measures included (1) perceptual analysis of single words, passage reading and diadochokinetic rate, (2) acoustic analysis of a sustained vowel, and (3) kinematic analysis of rapid syllable repetitions and syllable production in sentence, conducted before and after the treatment. RESULTS The results revealed that both the stimulation and sham groups had improved perceptual speech intelligibility at the word level, reduced short rushes of speech during passage reading, improved rate during alternating motion rate, AMR-kha1, and improved articulatory kinematics in AMR-tha1 and syllables /tha1/ and /kha1/ production in sentence. Compared to the sham group, the stimulation group showed significant improvement in articulatory kinematics in AMR-kha1 and syllable /kha1/ production in sentence. The findings also showed that anodal stimulation led to reduced shimmer value in sustained vowel /a/ phonation, positive changes in articulatory kinematics in AMR-tha1 and syllables /pha1/ and /kha1/ production in sentence at the post treatment measure. In addition to positive effects on articulatory control, reduced perturbation of voice amplitude documented in the stimulation group post treatment suggests possible tDCS effects on the vocal function. CONCLUSIONS The current study documented the beneficial effects of anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex on speech production and suggested that combined tDCS and speech therapy may promote recovery from post-stroke dysarthria.
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20
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Fostering eating after stroke (FEASt) trial for improving post-stroke dysphagia with non-invasive brain stimulation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9607. [PMID: 35689084 PMCID: PMC9187742 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14390-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysphagia is a serious stroke complication but lacks effective therapy. We investigated safety and preliminary efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) paired with swallowing exercises in improving post-stroke dysphagia from an acute unilateral hemispheric infarction (UHI). We conducted a double-blind, early phase-2 randomized controlled trial, in subjects (n = 42) with moderate-severe dysphagia [Penetration and Aspiration Scale (PAS) score ≥ 4], from an acute-subacute UHI. Subjects were randomized to Low-Dose, High-Dose atDCS or Sham stimulation for 5 consecutive days. Primary safety outcomes were incidence of seizures, neurological, motor, or swallowing function deterioration. Primary efficacy outcome was a change in PAS scores at day-5 of intervention. Main secondary outcome was dietary improvement at 1-month, assessed by Functional Oral Intake (FOIS) score. No differences in pre-defined safety outcomes or adjusted mean changes in PAS, FOIS scores, between groups, were observed. Post-hoc analysis demonstrated that 22 /24 subjects in the combined atDCS group had a clinically meaningful dietary improvement (FOIS score ≥ 5) compared to 8 /14 in Sham (p = 0.037, Fisher-exact). atDCS application in the acute-subacute stroke phase is safe but did not decrease risk of aspiration in this early phase trial. The observed dietary improvement is promising and merits further investigation.
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Short periods of bipolar anodal TDCS induce no instantaneous dose-dependent increase in cerebral blood flow in the targeted human motor cortex. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9580. [PMID: 35688875 PMCID: PMC9187751 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13091-7] [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: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (aTDCS) of primary motor hand area (M1-HAND) can enhance corticomotor excitability, but it is still unknown which current intensity produces the strongest effect on intrinsic neural firing rates and synaptic activity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with pseudo-continuous Arterial Spin Labeling (pcASL MRI) can map regional cortical blood flow (rCBF). The measured rCBF signal is sensitive to regional changes in neuronal activity due to neurovascular coupling. Therefore, concurrent TDCS and pcASL MRI may reveal the relationship between current intensity and TDCS-induced changes in overall firing rates and synaptic activity in the cortical target. Here we employed pcASL MRI to map acute rCBF changes during short-duration aTDCS of left M1-HAND. Using the rCBF response as a proxy for regional neuronal activity, we investigated if short-duration aTDCS produces an instantaneous dose-dependent rCBF increase in the targeted M1-HAND that may be useful for individual dosing. Nine healthy right-handed participants received 30 s of aTDCS at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mA with the anode placed over left M1-HAND and cathode over the right supraorbital region. Concurrent pcASL MRI at 3 T probed TDCS-related rCBF changes in the targeted M1-HAND. Movement-induced rCBF changes were also assessed. Apart from a subtle increase in rCBF at 0.5 mA, short-duration aTDCS did not modulate rCBF in the M1-HAND relative to no-stimulation periods. None of the participants showed a dose-dependent increase in rCBF during aTDCS, even after accounting for individual differences in TDCS-induced electrical field strength. In contrast, finger movements led to robust activation of left M1-HAND before and after aTDCS. Short-duration bipolar aTDCS does not produce consistant instantaneous dose-dependent rCBF increases in the targeted M1-HAND at conventional intensity ranges. Therefore, the regional hemodynamic response profile to short-duration aTDCS may not be suited to inform individual dosing of TDCS intensity.
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Lavezzi GD, Galan SS, Andersen H, Tomer D, Cacciamani L. The Effects of tDCS on Object Perception: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Behav Brain Res 2022; 430:113927. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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