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Updated: Apr 7, 2026
Combined Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Electroencephalography of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex
Published on: August 17, 2018
Optimal random frequency range in transcranial pulsed current stimulation indexed by quantitative
Leon Morales-Quezada1, Laura Castillo-Saavedra, Camila Cosmo
1aSpaulding Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA bDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK.
Transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) using a 6-10 Hz random frequency significantly enhanced alpha band power and coherence in healthy adults. This finding suggests optimal parameters for tPCS neuromodulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuromodulation
- Electroencephalography
Background:
- Transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) shows potential for modulating cortical connectivity.
- Optimizing tPCS parameters, particularly frequency, is crucial for enhancing cognitive performance.
- Previous studies indicate tPCS has modulatory effects, necessitating further investigation into specific frequencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different random pulsed frequencies of tPCS on quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG).
- To analyze changes in spectral power and interhemispheric coherence across various EEG frequency bands.
- To identify optimal operational parameters for tPCS in neuromodulation.
Main Methods:
- A parallel, randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial involving 40 healthy adults.
- Participants received 20-minute tPCS sessions at random frequencies (1-5 Hz, 6-10 Hz, 11-15 Hz) or sham.
- Outcomes measured via qEEG spectral power and interhemispheric coherence using bilateral periauricular electrodes at 2 mA intensity.
Main Results:
- A random pulsed frequency between 6-10 Hz significantly increased alpha band power and coherence in frontal and central areas compared to sham.
- tPCS at 11-15 Hz decreased alpha and theta band power.
- The 6-10 Hz frequency range demonstrated a notable impact on natural alpha oscillatory activity.
Conclusions:
- Random pulsed frequencies between 6-10 Hz are effective in modulating alpha oscillatory activity.
- These findings provide valuable data for future research on tPCS neuromodulation and its cognitive applications.
- The study supports the hypothesis that specific tPCS frequencies can alter brain activity patterns.
