Real-time Cognitive Output Modulation through EEG-triggered TMS

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）和实时脑电图分析（EEG）来实时调节认知输出的可能性。这使得TMS脉冲能够在与生理相关的大脑振荡的特定阶段传递，这里是前额叶θ振荡（4-7赫兹）。前额叶皮层和其他脑区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，表明信息传递和记忆形成的重要性。尽管将这些动物实验数据转化为人类研究存在挑战，但我们最近报道了通过实时分析脑电图触发的相位依赖性重复经颅磁刺激（rTMS）成功调制前额叶θ波振荡。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，通过在执行工作记忆任务期间应用锁相TMS，旨在改变记忆检索性能。此外，我们打算研究通过在工作记忆任务执行过程中提供锁相rTMS，进一步提高rTMS诱导工作记忆网络可塑性的准确性和有效性的可能性。这种依赖于大脑状态的非侵入性网络刺激的新方法对于开发更有效的神经调节干预措施来治疗特定的认知和神经精神疾病具有很高的潜力。该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。

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.