Frequency-specific modulation of motor cortical excitability by transcranial alternating current stimulation.

IF 5.2 2区医学 Q1 ENGINEERING, BIOMEDICAL

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation Pub Date : 2025-03-27 DOI:10.1186/s12984-025-01610-2

Lei Tingting, Chen Lilin, Wang Chuangjia, Si Jiamen, Zhang Shuxian, Ai Yinan, Liu Hanjun, Zheng Haiqing

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Abstract

Background: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive technique that modulates neural oscillations, yet its specific effects on cortical excitability are not well-understood. This study investigated the effects of tACS on neuroplasticity in the primary motor cortex (M1) across different frequencies.

Methods: In this randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study, 18 healthy young adults received β-tACS γ-tACS, and sham stimulation over the M1. Neurophysiological responses were assessed using motor evoked potentials (MEPs), electroencephalograms (EEG), and transcranial evoked potentials (TEPs) to determine the frequency-specific effects of tACS on cortical excitability and neuroplasticity.

Results: γ-tACS significantly enhanced cortical excitability, as reflected by larger MEP amplitudes compared to both β-tACS and sham stimulation. In addition, γ-tACS resulted in significantly smaller M1-P15 amplitudes in TEP than other stimulation conditions. In contrast, β-tACS did not produce significant changes in either MEPs or TEPs compared to sham stimulation.

Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that tACS induces frequency-dependent effects on cortical excitability and neuroplasticity within the M1. This selective modulation of cortical excitability with γ-tACS suggests its potential as a therapeutic intervention for optimizing motor function and rehabilitation.

Trial registration: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300074898, date of registration: 2023/08/18).

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经颅交流电刺激对运动皮层兴奋性的频率特异性调节。

背景：经颅交流电刺激（tACS）是一种调节神经振荡的非侵入性技术，但其对皮层兴奋性的具体影响尚不清楚。本研究探讨了不同频率的tACS对初级运动皮层（M1）神经可塑性的影响。方法：在这项随机、假对照、交叉研究中，18名健康青年接受β-tACS γ-tACS和假性M1刺激。使用运动诱发电位（MEPs）、脑电图（EEG）和经颅诱发电位（TEPs）评估神经生理反应，以确定tACS对皮层兴奋性和神经可塑性的频率特异性影响。结果：与β-tACS和假刺激相比，γ-tACS显著增强了皮质兴奋性，反映在更大的MEP振幅上。此外，γ-tACS导致TEP的M1-P15振幅明显小于其他刺激条件。相比之下，与假刺激相比，β-tACS在mep和tep中均未产生显著变化。结论：这些发现提供了证据，证明tACS在M1内诱导皮层兴奋性和神经可塑性的频率依赖效应。γ-tACS对皮质兴奋性的选择性调节表明，它有可能成为优化运动功能和康复的治疗干预手段。试验注册：本研究已在中国临床试验注册中心注册（ChiCTR2300074898，注册日期：2023/08/18）。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 工程技术-工程：生物医学

CiteScore

9.60

自引率

3.90%

发文量

122

审稿时长

24 months

期刊介绍： Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation considers manuscripts on all aspects of research that result from cross-fertilization of the fields of neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and physical medicine & rehabilitation.