How to Improve Cognitive Flexibility: Evidence From Noninvasive Neuromodulation Techniques

IF 5 1区医学 Q1 NEUROSCIENCES

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Pub Date : 2025-09-16 DOI:10.1111/cns.70613

Naeimeh Akbari Gharalari, Solmaz Fallahi, Elnaz Nakhjiri, Leila Hosseini, Saba Pakkhou, Naser Havaei, Sina Khodakarimi, Parviz Shahabi, Mohsen Jafarzadeh Gharehziaaddin, Hamid Soltani Zangbar

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Cognitive flexibility (CF) is a core component of executive function that enables humans to adaptively process and respond effectively to diverse and dynamic contextual needs. The execution of CF-related tasks depends on the collective interaction of various neural circuits in essential brain regions, such as the prefrontal, anterior cingulate, and posterior parietal cortices, which support the harmonic and smooth transition of thoughts and perspectives. Therefore, clarifying the mechanism of CF and introducing non-invasive neuromodulatory methods that enhance CF provides a way for developing new treatment approaches.

Methods

This review systematically investigates the application of photobiomodulation (PBM), neurofeedback (NF), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and virtual reality (VR) as non-invasive neuromodulatory techniques for modulating cognitive behaviors related to CF in neuropsychological conditions.

Results

Considering the vital role of CF in executive functions, deficits in CF impair adaptive behavior in neuropsychological conditions such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and age-related cognitive decline. Some technology-based interventions, including PBM, NF, rTMS, tDCS, and VR, have been developed to non-invasively modulate the switching capability and strategies of the mind. These non-invasive interventions provide targeted neuromodulation on neural circuits and have demonstrated a promising effect in improving cognitive processes, including CF.

Conclusion

The present study provides a comprehensive review of the therapeutic consequences of non-invasive neuromodulatory methods on CF in neurological conditions. This insight can offer a perspective for planning various research strategies and clinical approaches aimed at improving CF.

Abstract Image

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如何提高认知灵活性：来自无创神经调节技术的证据。

背景：认知灵活性（CF）是执行功能的核心组成部分，它使人类能够自适应地处理和有效地响应多样化和动态的上下文需求。cf相关任务的执行依赖于大脑基本区域（如前额叶、前扣带和后顶叶皮质）中各种神经回路的集体相互作用，这些神经回路支持思想和观点的和谐和平稳过渡。因此，明确CF的机制，引入非侵入性神经调节方法，增强CF，为开发新的治疗方法提供了一条途径。方法：本文系统地探讨了光生物调节（PBM）、神经反馈（NF）、重复经颅磁刺激（rTMS）、经颅直流刺激（tDCS）和虚拟现实（VR）作为非侵入性神经调节技术在神经心理疾病中调节CF相关认知行为的应用。结果：考虑到CF在执行功能中的重要作用，CF缺陷会损害精神分裂症、自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）和年龄相关认知衰退等神经心理疾病的适应性行为。一些基于技术的干预措施，包括PBM、NF、rTMS、tDCS和VR，已经发展到非侵入性地调节思维的转换能力和策略。这些非侵入性干预提供了针对神经回路的神经调节，并在改善认知过程方面显示出有希望的效果，包括CF。结论：本研究全面回顾了非侵入性神经调节方法对神经系统疾病中CF的治疗效果。这一见解可以为规划旨在改善CF的各种研究策略和临床方法提供一个视角。

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

CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics 医学-神经科学

CiteScore

7.30

自引率

12.70%

发文量

240

审稿时长

2 months

期刊介绍： CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics provides a medium for rapid publication of original clinical, experimental, and translational research papers, timely reviews and reports of novel findings of therapeutic relevance to the central nervous system, as well as papers related to clinical pharmacology, drug development and novel methodologies for drug evaluation. The journal focuses on neurological and psychiatric diseases such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and drug abuse.