Real-time Cognitive Output Modulation through EEG-triggered TMS

通过 EEG 触发的 TMS 进行实时认知输出调制

• 批准号: 466458984
• 负责人: Dr. Pedro Caldana Gordon, Ph.D.
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: Abteilung Neurologie mit Schwerpunkt neurovaskuläre Erkrankungen und Neuroonkologie
• 依托单位国家: 德国
• 项目类别: Research Grants
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 德国
• 起止时间: 2020-12-31 至 2022-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/466458984?language=en
• 关键词: Real; time; Cognitive; Output; Modulation

The aim of the present project is to investigate the possibility of modulating cognitive output in real-time by using non-invasive brain stimulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation - TMS) coupled with real-time analysis of electroencephalography (EEG). This enables delivering TMS pulses during specific phases of a physiologically relevant brain oscillation, here the prefrontal theta oscillation (4-7 Hz). Synchronicity of the theta oscillation in prefrontal cortex and other brain regions is associated with improved cognitive performance. Moreover, different phases of this oscillation are linked to differential neuronal firing and induction of neuroplasticity, suggesting importance in information transfer and memory formation. Despite the challenges involved in translating these data from animal experiments into human studies, we have recently reported successful modulation of prefrontal theta oscillations by using real-time analyzed EEG-triggered phase-dependent repetitive TMS (rTMS). Our goal now is to test the possibility of influencing cognitive output in real-time using the same method, by applying theta phase-locked TMS during the execution of a working memory task, aiming to modify memory retrieval performance. Moreover, we intend to investigate the possibility of further increasing the precision and effectiveness of the rTMS induced plasticity on the working memory network by delivering theta phase-locked rTMS during the execution of a working memory task.This novel approach of brain-state-dependent non-invasive network stimulation bears a high potential for the development of more effective neuromodulatory interventions for specific cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders. The results might also be translated to other modalities of invasive and non-invasive brain stimulation.

本项目的目的是研究通过使用非侵入性脑刺激（经颅磁刺激- TMS）结合脑电图（EEG）的实时分析来实时调节认知输出的可能性。这使得能够在生理相关的脑振荡的特定阶段期间递送TMS脉冲，在此是前额θ振荡（4-7 Hz）。前额叶皮层和其他大脑区域的θ波振荡的同步性与认知能力的提高有关。此外，这种振荡的不同阶段与不同的神经元放电和神经可塑性的诱导有关，这表明在信息传递和记忆形成中的重要性。尽管将这些数据从动物实验转化为人类研究存在挑战，但我们最近报告了通过使用实时分析的EEG触发的相位依赖重复TMS（rTMS）成功调制前额叶θ振荡。我们现在的目标是测试使用相同的方法实时影响认知输出的可能性，通过在工作记忆任务的执行过程中应用theta锁相TMS，旨在修改记忆检索性能。此外，我们打算调查的可能性，进一步增加的精度和有效性的rTMS诱导的可塑性的工作记忆网络的执行过程中提供theta相位锁定rTMS的工作memory task.This新的方法，脑状态依赖的非侵入性网络刺激承担了一个高的潜力，为特定的认知和神经精神疾病的发展更有效的神经调节干预。这些结果也可能被转化为其他形式的侵入性和非侵入性脑刺激。