Exploring the Influence of Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation on Working Memory...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Brain Stimulation

Background:

• Working memory (WM) is crucial for daily functioning and involves the prefrontal cortex.
• Understanding the neural mechanisms of WM is essential for cognitive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of intermittent Theta-burst Stimulation (iTBS) on working memory performance.
• To explore the neural mechanisms underlying iTBS effects on working memory in healthy adults.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one healthy adults performed 1-back and 2-back tasks during EEG recording.
• Participants received active and sham iTBS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
• EEG power and functional connectivity were analyzed to assess neural changes.

Main Results:

• Active iTBS increased theta power in prefrontal cortices during the 1-back task.
• iTBS enhanced alpha band connectivity between left prefrontal and right parietal cortices.
• Modulations in beta and alpha band connectivity were observed in the 2-back task, but no behavioral changes were detected.

Conclusions:

• iTBS influences large-scale oscillatory network dynamics in working memory.
• Neural effects of iTBS on working memory are more evident in network activity than in localized cortical activity or behavioral outcomes.