Development and implementation of a standardized methodology aiming to optimize the efficacy and reproducibility of findings using non-invasive brain stimulation techniques in the context of motor training

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Brain functions such as perception and cognition can be modulated as a function of oscillating neural activity. Recent years have witnessed the emergence of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques using electrical currents capable of modulating neuronal activity so as to either facilitate or inhibit brain plasticity, which refers to the ability of the brain to change/adapt to one's environment. The applied currents can either be constant over time, as is the case with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), or they can alternate at a given frequency, which is referred to as transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). TDCS and tACS are believed to non-invasively modulate neural mechanisms of plasticity, which, when applied over a targeted brain region, can promote underlying brain function. Technology acquisition and operation costs of tDCS/tACS are very accessible with minimal adverse events, making these painless techniques appealing if we are seeking to improve brain function. Despite the accumulation of acquired data with tDCS and tACS, a methodological consensus has not yet been reached concerning neither of these techniques. The lack of methodological gold standard is in part responsible for the concerning reproducibility failures which currently undermines the clinical use of these technologies. The overarching objective of this program is therefore to lay the ground for establishing a standardized methodology aiming to optimize the efficacy and reproducibility of findings using NIBS techniques. The present program is organized into three incremental steps toward implementing optimized non-invasive brain stimulation protocols with the aim to ensure reliable results and systematic improvement of the field. The impact of the present research program are fivefold: (1) a- for researchers who are using non-invasive brain stimulation technologies, to provide them with a standardized methodology with which to improve the reliability of their own protocol; b- to work collaboratively with other researchers in the field in order to constantly improve the proposed optimization process and develop reproducible research findings and more efficient brain stimulation protocols for the benefit of healthy and clinical populations; (2) for funding agencies, to support more rigorous grant application and training of highly qualified personnel with non-invasive brain stimulation technologies to foster its scientific & economic potential; (3) for clinical populations which will benefit from optimized intervention approach aiming to improve their health; (4) for clinicians who will be provided with tools to make better informed, evidence-based decisions on the pertinence of adding non-invasive brain stimulation to their therapeutic arsenal in well-defined clinical contexts; and (5) for the healthcare system, to improve, via the proposed optimizaton methodology, cost-efficiency of non-invasive brain stimulation intervention.