Evaluating an Approach to Improving Attention Networks by Theta Stimulation (original) (raw)

2021, Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

AI-generated Abstract

This research investigates the impact of theta frequency electrical stimulation on cognitive performance and connectivity changes in the brain, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). An experiment involving 14 participants who underwent 20 days of theta stimulation while performing the Attention Network Test (ANT) revealed improvements in reaction times and conflict resolution, alongside increased intrinsic theta activity. However, no significant changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) were detected in white matter areas surrounding the ACC, highlighting the need for further exploration into the effects of neuromodulation.

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Single Dose of the Attention Training Technique Increases Resting Alpha and Beta-Oscillations in Frontoparietal Brain Networks: A Randomized Controlled Comparison

Frontiers in Psychology

The Attention Training Technique (ATT) was developed with the aim of reducing selffocused attention and increasing executive control as part of metacognitive therapy. So far there is a paucity of data on the neurophysiological effects of ATT. In the present study we tested for specific effects to determine if attention control components of ATT elicit a specific signature that is different from passive listening. Thirty-six healthy volunteers were randomized to an active (follow instructions) or control (ignore instructions) condition. Resting state EEG was recorded for 3 min with eyes open and eyes closed before and after exposure to training, and the power of the theta, alpha, and beta-bands were analyzed in frontal, midline, and posterior electrodes. The active ATT condition enhanced alpha and beta-band activity during eyes-open, and frontal alpha during eyes-closed (p < 0.005). Frontoparietal changes in Alpha were generally accompanied by changes in Beta in the same brain regions of interest. However, these associations were largely significant in the active ATT rather than the control condition. No between-group differences were observed in the Theta-band. These results suggest a single dose of attention training increases alpha and beta-oscillations in frontoparietal networks. These networks are associated with top-down attentional or executive control.

Changes in white matter in mice resulting from low-frequency brain stimulation

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2018

Significance Meditation has been shown to modify brain connections. However, the cellular mechanisms by which this occurs are not known. We hypothesized that changes in white matter found following meditation may be due to increased rhythmicity observed in frontal areas in the cortex. The current study in mice tested this directly by rhythmically stimulating cells in the frontal midline. We found that such stimulation caused an increase in connectivity due to changes in the axons in the corpus callosum, which transmit impulses to and from the frontal midline. This work provides a plausible but not proven mechanism through which a mental activity such as meditation can improve brain connectivity.

Direct electrical stimulation of the human brain has inverse effects on the theta and gamma neural activities

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering

Our goal was to analyze the electrophysiological response to direct electrical stimulation (DES) systematically applied at a wide range of parameters and anatomical sites, with particular focus on neural activities associated with memory and cognition. Methods: We used a large set of intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings with DES from 45 subjects with electrodes implanted both subdurally on the cortical surface and subcortically into the brain parenchyma. Subjects were stimulated in blocks of alternating frequency and amplitude parameters during quiet wakefulness. Results: Stimulating at different frequencies and amplitudes of electric current revealed a persistent pattern of response in the slow and the fast neural activities. In particular, amplification of the theta (4-7 Hz) and attenuation of the gamma (29-52 Hz) power-inband was observed with increasing the stimulation parameters. This opposite effect on the low and high frequency bands was found across a network of selected local and distal sites proportionally to the proximity and magnitude of the electric current. Power increase in the theta and decrease in the gamma band was driven by the total electric charge delivered with either M.L, C.T. and M.T.K were supported by the First Team Programme of the Foundation for Polish Science co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund (POIR.04.04.00-00-4379/17-00 / First TEAM/2017-4/35). Data collection was supported by the DARPA Restoring Active Memory (RAM) program (Cooperative Agreement N66001-14-2-4032). Dr. Gross serves as a consultant to Medtronic, which is a subcontractor on this research. Dr. Gross receives compensation for these services. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by Emory University in accordance with its conflict of interest policies. We thank Blackrock Microsystems for providing neural recording and stimulation equipment. We are indebted to the patients and their families for their participation and support.

Electrical brain stimulation improves cognitive performance by modulating functional connectivity and task-specific activation

2012

Excitatory anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) can improve human cognitive functions, but neural underpinnings of its mode of action remain elusive. In a cross-over placebo ("sham") controlled study we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate neurofunctional correlates of improved language functions induced by atDCS over a core language area, the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Intrascanner transcranial direct current stimulation-induced changes in overt semantic word generation assessed behavioral modulation; task-related and task-independent (resting-state) fMRI characterized language network changes. Improved word-retrieval during atDCS was paralleled by selectively reduced task-related activation in the left ventral IFG, an area specifically implicated in semantic retrieval processes. Under atDCS, resting-state fMRI revealed increased connectivity of the left IFG and additional major hubs overlapping with the language network. In conclusion, atDCS modulates endogenous low-frequency oscillations in a distributed set of functionally connected brain areas, possibly inducing more efficient processing in critical task-relevant areas and improved behavioral performance.

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