Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025

Non-Invasive Modulation and Robotic Mapping of Motor Cortex in the Developing Brain
Published on: July 1, 2019
Generalized learning induced by training and tDCS is predicted by prefrontal cortical morphology
Shane E Ehrhardt1, Yohan Wards1, Thomas B Shaw2,3
1School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, McElwain Building, Campbell Road, St Lucia, 4072, QLD, Australia.
Abstract:
Brain stimulation shows promise as an intervention to enhance executive function, particularly when paired with cognitive training. To optimize such approaches, we must understand the potential role of individual differences in intervention outcomes. We investigated the combined effects of multi-session multitasking training and prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on generalization of performance benefits, focusing on how cortical morphology predicts performance improvements. One hundred seventy-eight individuals underwent 7 Tesla MRI before completing multisession training with online stimulation. A cognitive task battery assessed improvements in trained and untrained tasks pre- and post-training. Stimulating the left or right prefrontal cortex at 1 mA during multitasking training enhanced transfer to a visual search task. Critically, cortical morphology predicted stimulation efficacy for inducing transfer. Cortical thickness in regions beneath the stimulating anode was related to reaction time changes in the most difficult visual search condition but only for the left and right 1 mA multitasking training groups. Performance was not related to cortical thickness for the groups receiving sham stimulation, 2 mA stimulation, or 1 mA stimulation with a control training task. These results highlight the importance of individual anatomical differences in modulating tDCS efficacy and identifying specific neuroanatomical features that predict generalized performance gains from combining tDCS with cognitive training.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
Long-term Potentiation
Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
Cognitive Learning
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...

