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Enhancing visual perceptual learning using transcranial electrical stimulation: Transcranial alternating current
Qing He1,2,3,4,5, Xinyi Zhu1,2,3,4,6, Fang Fang1,2,3,4,7
1School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences and Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.
Journal of Vision
|December 6, 2023
Summary
Combining transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) with visual perceptual learning (VPL) can enhance vision. High-frequency random noise stimulation (tRNS) and 10-Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) significantly improved visual skills, with tACS showing the strongest effect.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vision Science
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Visual perceptual learning (VPL) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) are strategies to improve visual skills.
- Combining VPL with tES shows promise for rapid visual acuity enhancement.
- Limited comprehensive evaluations exist for different tES types combined with VPL, especially with larger sample sizes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of combining different tES types with VPL on visual function.
- To compare the efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), 10-Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and high-frequency random noise stimulation (tRNS) when paired with VPL.
- To investigate the role of alpha oscillations in VPL.
Main Methods:
- Recruited four groups of 26 subjects each for an orientation discrimination task over five daily sessions.
- Applied four types of occipital tES during training: sham tACS, anodal tDCS, 10-Hz tACS, and tRNS.
- Assessed learning rate and performance improvement across conditions.
Main Results:
- Both 10-Hz tACS and tRNS significantly facilitated VPL compared to sham stimulation.
- Anodal tDCS showed minimal modulatory effects on VPL.
- 10-Hz tACS demonstrated superior enhancement of VPL compared to tRNS, indicating the strongest modulation among tested tES types.
Conclusions:
- Alpha oscillations appear crucial for VPL.
- 10-Hz tACS combined with VPL offers a potent strategy for vision enhancement.
- The findings provide a practical framework for vision rehabilitation strategies.
