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Updated: May 28, 2026
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Published on: January 14, 2020
Random noise stimulation improves neuroplasticity in perceptual learning.
Anna Fertonani1, Cornelia Pirulli, Carlo Miniussi
1Cognitive Neuroscience Section, IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, 25125 Brescia, Italy.
Summary
This study explored how transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), affects brain plasticity during visual learning tasks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroplasticity
Background:
- Perceptual learning is a key indicator of neural plasticity in the human brain.
- Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques offer a method to investigate these plasticity mechanisms.
- Understanding how different stimulation types modulate plasticity is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of brain plasticity during a visual perceptual learning task.
- To compare the efficacy of two transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) methods in modulating neural plasticity.
- To determine if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) induce differential plasticity effects.
Main Methods:
- Utilized noninvasive transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) during a visual perceptual learning task.
- Employed two distinct tES approaches: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS).
- Assessed the impact of tDCS and tRNS on neural plasticity mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Different types of tES demonstrated varying effects on the nervous system.
- The efficacy of neural plasticity modulation differed between tDCS and tRNS.
- Differential plasticity effects were observed based on the tES approach used.
Conclusions:
- Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) can modulate neural plasticity during perceptual learning.
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) exhibit distinct effects on brain plasticity.
- The findings support the potential for targeted tES application to influence neuroplasticity.
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Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
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