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Simultaneously applying cathodal tDCS with low frequency rTMS at the motor cortex boosts inhibitory aftereffects
Tao Han1, Zhexue Xu1, Chunyan Liu1
1Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|June 11, 2019
Summary
Combining cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) enhances cortical inhibition. This novel tDCS-rTMS protocol shows a stronger inhibitory effect than either stimulation method alone.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are known to modulate cortical excitability.
- The combined effects of tDCS and rTMS on the same motor cortex have not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effect of simultaneous tDCS and rTMS on cortical excitability.
- To compare the inhibitory effects of combined tDCS-rTMS with individual tDCS or rTMS protocols.
Main Methods:
- A novel protocol simultaneously combined cathodal tDCS and low-frequency rTMS.
- Eleven healthy subjects underwent four randomized sessions: sham control, tDCS alone, rTMS alone, and combined tDCS-rTMS.
- Resting motor threshold (RMT) and motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were monitored before and after stimulation.
Main Results:
- Neither tDCS nor rTMS alone altered RMT.
- Both tDCS and rTMS individually reduced MEP amplitudes compared to sham.
- The combined tDCS-rTMS protocol resulted in significantly greater inhibition of MEP amplitudes than either modality alone.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully reproduced the known inhibitory effects of cathodal tDCS and low-frequency rTMS.
- The simultaneous tDCS-rTMS protocol induces a more potent inhibitory effect on cortical excitability.
- Combining cathodal tDCS with low-frequency rTMS offers an enhanced strategy for neuromodulation.
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