Neuromodulating the rhythms of cognition.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Neuromodulation

Background:

• Rhythmic non-invasive brain stimulation (rh-NIBS) modulates neural oscillations to study brain rhythms' role in cognition.
• Current rh-NIBS interpretations and translational potential are limited by neglected aspects.
• Understanding rh-NIBS mechanisms is crucial for cognitive and clinical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conceptually differentiate oscillatory synchronization from frequency-shifting in rh-NIBS.
• To provide a mechanistic account for rh-NIBS protocols, considering inter-individual differences.
• To bridge the gap between online entrainment and offline plasticity effects of rh-NIBS.

Main Methods:

• Review of current rh-NIBS trends and literature.
• Conceptual differentiation of rh-NIBS protocols (synchronization vs. frequency-shifting).
• Mechanistic explanation of rh-NIBS protocols and their impact on neural oscillations.

Main Results:

• Distinction between enhancing oscillatory amplitude (synchronization) and altering oscillatory frequency (frequency-shifting).
• Proposed mechanistic framework accounting for inter-individual variability in rh-NIBS outcomes.
• Hypothesis that online oscillatory tuning via rh-NIBS is a prerequisite for enduring synaptic plasticity.

Conclusions:

• rh-NIBS offers a powerful tool for studying brain oscillations and cognition.
• A clear conceptual and mechanistic framework enhances the understanding and application of rh-NIBS.
• Optimized rh-NIBS protocols, tuned to dominant frequencies, may improve plasticity and cognitive outcomes.