Logo image
Enhancing neural efficiency of cognitive processing speed via training and neurostimulation: An fNIRS and TMS study
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Enhancing neural efficiency of cognitive processing speed via training and neurostimulation: An fNIRS and TMS study

Adrian Curtin, Hasan Ayaz, Yingying Tang, Junfeng Sun, Jijun Wang and Shanbao Tong
NeuroImage (Orlando, Fla.), v 198, pp 73-82
Sep 2019
PMID: 31078636

Abstract

Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) Neuroenhancement Neurostimulation Speed of processing (SoP) Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Speed of Processing (SoP) represents a fundamental limiting step in cognitive performance which may underlie General Intelligence. The measure of SoP is particularly sensitive to aging, neurological or cognitive diseases, and has become a benchmark for diagnosis, cognitive remediation, and enhancement. Neural efficiency of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) is proposed to account for individual differences in SoP. However, the mechanisms by which DLPFC efficiency is shaped by training and whether it can be enhanced remain elusive. To address this, we monitored the brain activity of sixteen healthy participants using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) while practicing a common SoP task (Symbol Digit Substitution Task) across 4 sessions. Furthermore, in each session, participants received counterbalanced excitatory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) during mid-session breaks. Results indicate a significant involvement of the left-DLPFC in SoP, whose neural efficiency is consistently increased through task practice. Active neurostimulation, but not Sham, significantly enhanced the neural efficiency. These findings suggest a common mechanism by which neurostimulation may aid to accelerate learning. •Left-DLPFC activity is associated with Symbol-Digit Performance.•Practice of SDST increases neural efficiency.•Excitatory rTMS to left-DLPFC further increases neural efficiency.•Neuroimaging may help evaluate the effects of neurostimulation paradigms.

Metrics

13 Record Views
70 citations in Scopus

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

InCites Highlights

Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:

Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Neuroimaging
Neurosciences
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Logo image