Investigating the Effects of Anodal Transcranial Pulsed Current Stimulation at Low Frequencies (0.5 to 5 Hz) on Corticospinal and Corticocortical Excitability.
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The mechanism underlying transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) as a non-invasive neuromodulation technique has garnered considerable attention in recent years. However, the effects of anodal tPCS (a-tPCS) at low frequencies remain unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the a-tPCS effects at 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 Hz on cortical outcomes and its adverse side effects. This double-blinded, randomized, counterbalanced crossover trial included 18 healthy young participants who completed five experimental sessions with 2 mA of a-tPCS for 20 min in a randomized order of frequencies (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 Hz). Single-pulse and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the left primary motor cortex (M1) was delivered before and immediately after the stimulation at rest. Sessions were spaced at least 48 h apart to minimize carry-over effects. The results indicated that a single session of a-tPCS at frequencies of 1, 3, and 5 Hz significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced corticospinal excitability (CSE), while 0.5 Hz decreased CSE compared to sham stimulation. The CSE changes at 1 and 5 Hz were associated with increased intracortical facilitation (ICF), with reduced adverse effects observed at higher frequencies. In contrast, the cortical effects of 0.5 Hz were linked to increased short intracortical inhibition (SICI) with minimal side effects. However, all frequencies except 0.5 Hz were associated with phosphenes or flashing lights during stimulation. Given the similar effects of a-tPCS with other pulsatile current stimulation, it is plausible that tPCS could serve as a complementary or superior alternative to TMS, particularly for at-risk and diverse patient populations. However, this claim needs further comparative studies before suggesting clinical superiority for epilepsy and neuro-rehabilitation. Furthermore, like other neuromodulation techniques, tPCS shows potential as an affordable, home-based treatment option. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of tPCS relative to TMS methodologies through rigorous experimental testing.
期刊介绍：
Founded in 1964, Psychophysiology is the most established journal in the world specifically dedicated to the dissemination of psychophysiological science. The journal continues to play a key role in advancing human neuroscience in its many forms and methodologies (including central and peripheral measures), covering research on the interrelationships between the physiological and psychological aspects of brain and behavior. Typically, studies published in Psychophysiology include psychological independent variables and noninvasive physiological dependent variables (hemodynamic, optical, and electromagnetic brain imaging and/or peripheral measures such as respiratory sinus arrhythmia, electromyography, pupillography, and many others). The majority of studies published in the journal involve human participants, but work using animal models of such phenomena is occasionally published. Psychophysiology welcomes submissions on new theoretical, empirical, and methodological advances in: cognitive, affective, clinical and social neuroscience, psychopathology and psychiatry, health science and behavioral medicine, and biomedical engineering. The journal publishes theoretical papers, evaluative reviews of literature, empirical papers, and methodological papers, with submissions welcome from scientists in any fields mentioned above.
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