Concurrent anodal transcranial direct-current stimulation and motor task to influence sensorimotor cortex activation.
Pierre Besson1, Makii Muthalib2, Gerard Dray3
1EuroMov, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
Brain Research
|January 6, 2019
Summary
Online anodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-atDCS) during motor tasks enhances sensorimotor cortex activation more than offline stimulation. This finding suggests concurrent application may be more effective for neuroplasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Science
- Motor Control
Background:
- Anodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-atDCS) is used to modulate neuroplasticity.
- The timing of HD-atDCS application (online vs. offline) relative to motor tasks may influence its effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of online and offline HD-atDCS on sensorimotor cortex activation during a motor task.
- To investigate the time course of these effects using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
Main Methods:
- A within-subject, sham-controlled, randomized study design was employed.
- Nine healthy participants received three HD-atDCS sessions (online, offline, sham) targeting the left sensorimotor cortex.
- fNIRS measured hemodynamic changes in the sensorimotor cortex during a finger opposition task before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after stimulation.
Main Results:
- Online HD-atDCS significantly increased sensorimotor cortex activation at 30 minutes post-stimulation compared to sham (large effect size).
- A trend towards increased activation was observed for offline HD-atDCS compared to sham, and for online versus offline HD-atDCS.
- No significant differences in movement rates were found between conditions or time points.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent application of HD-atDCS during motor tasks may yield greater sensorimotor cortex activation than sequential application.
- Online HD-atDCS shows potential for enhanced neuroplastic effects compared to offline stimulation.
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