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Neuro-Cardiac-Guided TMS (NCG TMS): A replication and extension study
Tabitha A Iseger1, Frank Padberg2, J Leon Kenemans3
1Research Institute Brainclinics, Brainclinics Foundation, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Dept. of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Biological Psychology
|April 25, 2021
Summary
Neuro-Cardiac-Guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (NCG-TMS) effectively slowed heart rate by targeting the frontal-vagal network. This study confirmed reproducibility and explored dose-response relationships for NCG-TMS and NCG-iTBS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Previous research indicated prefrontal cortex stimulation via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can decelerate heart rate.
- The frontal-vagal network's role in cardiac regulation is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate and extend previous findings on Neuro-Cardiac-Guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (NCG-TMS) targeting the frontal-vagal network.
- To investigate dose-response relationships, reproducibility, and the effects of different stimulation frequencies (10 Hz and intermittent theta burst stimulation [iTBS]).
Main Methods:
- Forty-five healthy controls underwent NCG-TMS or NCG-iTBS at various frontal sites (10-20-EEG system).
- Heart rate changes were monitored to assess the impact of stimulation.
- Internal consistency, dose-response, and reproducibility were evaluated.
Main Results:
- NCG-TMS at the F3/4 coil position replicated significant heart rate deceleration.
- Internal consistency and dose-response relationships were confirmed for NCG-TMS.
- NCG-iTBS showed more lateralized frontal-vagal activation and reported adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Transsynaptic stimulation of the frontal-vagal network is achievable using NCG-TMS.
- Excitability thresholds in the prefrontal cortex may differ from those in the motor cortex.
- NCG-TMS demonstrates potential for modulating cardiac autonomic function via prefrontal pathways.
