Primary motor cortex activation by transcranial direct current stimulation in the human brain.
Yong Hyun Kwon1, Myoung-Hwan Ko, Sang Ho Ahn
1Department of Physical Therapy, Yeungnam College of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea.
Neuroscience Letters
|March 8, 2008
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) directly activates the primary motor cortex (M1). This functional MRI study confirms tDCS
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Brain Stimulation
Background:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is known to modulate human brain activity.
- Understanding the precise cortical targets of tDCS is crucial for its therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct cortical stimulation effects of tDCS on the primary motor cortex (M1).
- To utilize functional MRI (fMRI) to visualize brain activity changes induced by tDCS.
Main Methods:
- An fMRI study was conducted on 11 healthy, right-handed subjects.
- Anodal tDCS (1.0 mA) was applied over the left M1.
- A block design paradigm with alternating rest and tDCS periods was used during fMRI acquisition.
Main Results:
- Cortical activation was observed specifically during the fourth tDCS phase.
- Group analysis revealed activation in the left primary motor cortex (M1).
- Additional activations were noted in the left supplementary motor cortex and right posterior parietal cortex.
Conclusions:
- tDCS demonstrates a direct stimulation effect on the targeted cortical region.
- fMRI can effectively detect these stimulation-induced brain changes.
- tDCS is a viable tool for targeted cortical stimulation.
