Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS of Wernicke's and Broca's Areas in Studies of Language Learning and Word Acquisition
Published on: July 13, 2019
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Direction of TDCS current flow in human sensorimotor cortex influences behavioural learning.
Ricci Hannah1, Anna Iacovou1, John C Rothwell1
1Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
Brain Stimulation
|February 11, 2019
Summary
Directional transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) impacts motor learning retention. Specifically, anterior-posterior TDCS impaired retention, while posterior-anterior TDCS did not affect learning or retention, suggesting neurophysiological changes aren't directly linked to behavioral outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Brain Stimulation
Background:
- Neurophysiological outcomes of transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) depend on current flow direction relative to the cortical surface.
- Understanding these directional effects is crucial for optimizing TDCS applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if directional TDCS effects observed in neurophysiology extend to motor behaviors.
- To determine the impact of TDCS current direction on motor learning and retention.
Main Methods:
- TDCS was applied during a ballistic movement task with electrodes oriented perpendicular to the central sulcus.
- Two current directions were tested: posterior-anterior (TDCSPA) and anterior-posterior (TDCSAP).
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) assessed corticospinal excitability changes.
Main Results:
- Anterior-posterior TDCS (TDCSAP) impaired the retention of motor learning compared to TDCSPA and sham conditions.
- Posterior-anterior TDCS (TDCSPA) did not affect learning or retention.
- TDCSPA prevented the typical increase in corticospinal excitability post-practice.
Conclusions:
- Current direction in TDCS significantly influences behavioral outcomes, extending previous neurophysiological findings.
- Changes in corticospinal excitability following motor practice are not causally linked to behavioral learning.
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