Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Cognitive-Affective Task-Based Functional Connectivity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Neuromodulation

Background:

• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) uses electromagnetic fields to induce electrical currents in the superficial cortex, potentially affecting functionally connected distal brain regions.
• Previous research indicated that rTMS targeting the postcentral gyrus influences resting-state functional connectivity with the posterior insula.
• The current study aimed to explore rTMS effects on task-based functional connectivity (TBFC) during a cognitive-affective distress task.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if rTMS targeting the postcentral gyrus modulates task-based functional connectivity (TBFC) with the posterior insula during a cognitive-affective distress task.
• To compare the effects of 1 Hz and 10 Hz rTMS on TBFC during negative auditory feedback.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-five healthy participants were divided into 1 Hz (n=12) and 10 Hz (n=13) rTMS groups, receiving five consecutive daily sessions.
• Pre- and post-rTMS magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were acquired while participants performed a cognitive-affective distress task with negative auditory feedback.
• Neuronavigation guided rTMS coil placement over the right postcentral gyrus; TBFC analysis used the bilateral auditory cortex as a seed region-of-interest.

Main Results:

• A significant group-by-session-by-condition interaction (FDR-corrected) was observed in a right putamen/posterior insula cluster.
• In the distress condition, the 1 Hz rTMS group exhibited significantly weaker negative TBFC post-rTMS (p = 0.005).
• The 10 Hz rTMS group showed no significant effect on TBFC during the distress condition.

Conclusions:

• This preliminary study suggests rTMS can modulate TBFC in distal brain regions involved in processing cognitive-affective negative feedback.
• The findings indicate that low-frequency rTMS may alter functional connectivity related to negative emotional processing.
• Future research should explore optimizing rTMS parameters (e.g., session number, pulse sequences) to enhance TBFC modulation and clinical outcomes.