Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025
08:33
Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
1.3K
A checklist for assessing the methodological quality of concurrent tES-fMRI studies (ContES checklist): a consensus
Hamed Ekhtiari1, Peyman Ghobadi-Azbari2,3, Axel Thielscher4,5
1Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA. hekhtiari@laureateinstitute.org.
Nature Protocols
|February 5, 2022
Summary
A new checklist, the ContES checklist, was developed to improve reporting standards for transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) combined with functional MRI (fMRI) studies. This aims to enhance the transparency and reproducibility of neuromodulation research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Concurrent transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) enable the study of brain activity during neuromodulation.
- Methodological reporting in tES-fMRI studies lacks standardization, hindering reproducibility and interpretability.
- Existing literature lacks consensus-based checklists for reporting tES-fMRI methodologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a consensus-based checklist (ContES checklist) for reporting standards in concurrent tES-fMRI studies.
- To enhance methodological rigor, transparency, and reproducibility in the field.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase Delphi consensus process involving a steering committee and 49 expert panelists.
- Development of a preliminary checklist based on a systematic review of 57 tES-fMRI studies.
- Revision and rating of checklist items by experts, categorizing them into technological, safety, and methodological factors.
Main Results:
- A consensus checklist (ContES checklist) was finalized, comprising essential items and additional recommendations across three categories.
- Assessment of 57 tES-fMRI studies revealed variable reporting levels, with an average of 53% of checklist items reported.
- Reporting rates for checklist items ranged from 24% to 76% across the reviewed studies.
Conclusions:
- The ContES checklist is expected to significantly improve the quality of methodological reporting in future tES-fMRI research.
- Adoption of the ContES checklist will foster greater transparency and reproducibility in neuromodulation studies.
- Standardized reporting is crucial for advancing the understanding of brain function and tES effects.
