Effect of HD-tDCS targeting the DLPFC on cognitive ability and flight simulation performance in healthy adults

This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on attention, working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility in healthy adults, and to examine its association with flight simulation performance.

One hundred healthy adults aged 18-30 years were randomly assigned to one of four groups: left DLPFC anodal HD-tDCS, right DLPFC anodal HD-tDCS, bilateral DLPFC anodal HD-tDCS, or sham stimulation. Cognitive abilities and flight simulation performance were assessed before and after the intervention.  RESULTS: The Stroop effect was significantly reduced in the left HD-tDCS group (P = 0.047) and the bilateral HD-tDCS group (P = 0.008). Switching costs decreased significantly in the right HD-tDCS group (P = 0.006) and the bilateral HD-tDCS group (P = 0.027). The bilateral HD-tDCS group also demonstrated significantly improved flight simulation performance (P = 0.014). :  CONCLUSION: Left and bilateral HD-tDCS improved inhibitory control, while right and bilateral HD-tDCS enhanced cognitive flexibility. Bilateral HD-tDCS yielded the most comprehensive benefits, including improved flight simulation performance.  SIGNIFICANCE: These findings underscore the potential of bilateral DLPFC anodal HD-tDCS as a non-invasive tool for enhancing cognitive abilities and optimizing performance in high-demand operational contexts such as aviation. The results may inform future applications in cognitive training and neuroergonomics.