Nonlinear dose-response relationship in tDCS-induced brain network synchrony: A resting-state whole-brain model...

Area of Science:

• Computational Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Systems Neuroscience

Background:

• Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique.
• tDCS is utilized for cognitive enhancement, neurological disorder treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Computational neuroscience and dynamic modeling are crucial for understanding tDCS mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of varying Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) intensities on whole-brain network dynamics.
• To analyze the impact of tDCS on brain functional networks using electrophysiological and graph theory measures.
• To identify the relationship between tDCS intensity, network structure, and information processing.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a resting-state whole-brain computational model.
• Simulation of tDCS at different intensities.
• Assessment of brain network synchrony, electrophysiological characteristics, and graph theory metrics (e.g., small-world index).

Main Results:

• Optimal tDCS intensity enhances brain functional network synchrony.
• Excessive tDCS intensity significantly reduces network synchrony and impairs graph theory metrics.
• Electrical stimulation propagates complex electrophysiological activities across brain regions.
• High tDCS intensity degrades network structure and information transmission efficiency.

Conclusions:

• A nonlinear dose-response relationship exists for tDCS effects on brain networks.
• Optimal tDCS intensities are crucial for achieving beneficial effects on network synchrony.
• Findings provide theoretical support and guidance for clinical tDCS application and protocol selection.