Network based statistical analysis detects changes induced by continuous theta-burst stimulation on brain activity at...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Brain Stimulation

Background:

• Functional connectivity (FC) alterations underlie various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) techniques, like continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS), offer non-invasive neuromodulation.
• Understanding the precise effects of DLPFC-cTBS on brain networks is crucial for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the within-subject changes in resting-state functional connectivity (RS-FC) induced by right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) cTBS.
• To identify specific brain regions and network connections affected by DLPFC-cTBS.
• To compare the effects of active cTBS with sham stimulation on FC.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a combination of continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI).
• Employed seed-based fMRI analysis focusing on the right prefrontal cortex.
• Defined a 29-node network to assess FC changes before and after DLPFC-cTBS and sham sessions in healthy subjects.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in FC was observed between the right prefrontal cortex and the right parietal cortex (Brodmann areas 46 and 40) following active cTBS.
• No significant changes in FC were detected after the sham stimulation sessions.
• This study provides the first within-subject evidence of cTBS-induced FC changes in a prefrontal area.

Conclusions:

• Right DLPFC-cTBS can selectively modulate functional connectivity within specific brain networks.
• The observed changes suggest targeted network alterations are achievable with cTBS.
• These findings have implications for understanding brain functional properties and advancing neuromodulation-based therapeutic strategies.