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Subcortical structures in humans can be facilitated by transcranial direct current stimulation
Jorik Nonnekes1, Anass Arrogi1, Moniek A M Munneke2
1Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Rehabilitation, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Plos One
|September 19, 2014
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can speed up responses originating from subcortical structures in humans. This noninvasive brain stimulation technique may enhance reticulospinal output, offering potential benefits for neurorehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuromodulation
- Motor Control
Background:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique known to modulate cortical excitability.
- Recent animal studies suggest tDCS may also facilitate subcortical structures.
- The potential of tDCS to influence subcortical pathways in humans remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether anodal tDCS can facilitate subcortical structures in humans.
- To examine the effects of tDCS on motor responses influenced by subcortical pathways.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of tDCS-induced subcortical facilitation.
Main Methods:
- Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and sham tDCS were administered to human subjects in a counterbalanced, within-subject design.
- Response latencies were measured for two tasks: (1) startling acoustic stimulus (SAS)-evoked wrist and ankle movements, and (2) automatic postural responses to balance perturbations.
- Stimulation effects were assessed with and without a concurrent SAS.
Main Results:
- Anodal tDCS significantly reduced response onsets compared to sham tDCS across all tested tasks and conditions (with/without SAS).
- The effect of tDCS was consistent for dominant and non-dominant limbs.
- Startling acoustic stimulus (SAS) accelerated responses to backward perturbations and evoked limb movements, with tDCS further enhancing these SAS-induced accelerations.
Conclusions:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effectively facilitates subcortical structures in humans, evidenced by faster motor response latencies.
- The findings suggest that tDCS may enhance subcortical function via increased cortico-reticular drive or direct stimulation of structures like the reticular formation.
- Enhanced reticulospinal output through tDCS holds promise for neurorehabilitation strategies, particularly in conditions involving corticospinal tract damage.
