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Offline beats online: transcranial direct current stimulation timing influences on working memory
Maximilian A Friehs1, Christian Frings
1Department of Cognitive Psychology, University of Trier, Trier, Germany.
Neuroreport
|July 9, 2019
Summary
Offline transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) significantly improved verbal working memory performance more than online or sham stimulation. This suggests stimulation timing is crucial for enhancing cognitive functions like working memory.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- The n-back task assesses working memory, requiring continuous updates.
- The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) is vital for working memory updating.
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effects on working memory are not fully understood regarding timing (online vs. offline).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether offline or online transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) yields greater improvements in verbal n-back task performance.
- To compare the effects of offline, online, and sham tDCS on working memory.
Main Methods:
- A repeated measures design was employed with 63 healthy adults.
- Anodal tDCS was applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC).
- Comparisons were made between offline, online, and sham stimulation conditions.
Main Results:
- Offline tDCS resulted in significantly greater improvements in performance compared to online or sham stimulation.
- Performance improvements were observed in both correct reaction times and accuracy rates.
- The findings highlight the importance of stimulation timing in tDCS applications.
Conclusions:
- Offline tDCS over the lDLPFC is more effective in enhancing verbal working memory performance.
- Stimulation timing is a critical factor for optimizing tDCS efficacy.
- The study reinforces the role of the lDLPFC in verbal working memory.
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