Evaluating semantic control with transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BackgroundThis meta-analysis investigates the role of specific brain regions in semantic control processes using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). According to the Controlled Semantic Cognition framework, control processes help manage the contextually appropriate retrieval of semantic informa...

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Main Authors: Ettore Ambrosini, Silvia Benavides-Varela, Antonino Visalli, Giada Viviani, Maria Montefinese
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-12-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1435338/full
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author Ettore Ambrosini
Ettore Ambrosini
Ettore Ambrosini
Silvia Benavides-Varela
Silvia Benavides-Varela
Antonino Visalli
Giada Viviani
Maria Montefinese
author_facet Ettore Ambrosini
Ettore Ambrosini
Ettore Ambrosini
Silvia Benavides-Varela
Silvia Benavides-Varela
Antonino Visalli
Giada Viviani
Maria Montefinese
author_sort Ettore Ambrosini
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundThis meta-analysis investigates the role of specific brain regions in semantic control processes using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). According to the Controlled Semantic Cognition framework, control processes help manage the contextually appropriate retrieval of semantic information by activating a distributed neural network, including the inferior frontal gyrus, the posterior middle temporal gyrus, and inferior parietal lobule. Lesions in these areas can lead to difficulties in manipulating weakly activated or competing semantic information. Researchers have used TMS to simulate such deficits in healthy individuals.MethodBy synthesizing results from TMS studies that targeted these regions, we aimed to evaluate whether neurostimulation over these areas can effectively impair participants’ performance under high semantic control demands.ResultsResults from different meta-analytical approaches consistently showed no significant effects of TMS, especially after correcting for publication bias. Nevertheless, variability in experimental methodologies was evident.ConclusionThese findings raise questions about the effectiveness of TMS in simulating deficits in semantic control and highlight the need for methodological improvements in future studies to enhance reliability and interpretability.
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spelling doaj-art-53eada00572f40379a6a6bcdeb45d63b2025-08-20T02:30:35ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782024-12-011510.3389/fpsyg.2024.14353381435338Evaluating semantic control with transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review with meta-analysisEttore Ambrosini0Ettore Ambrosini1Ettore Ambrosini2Silvia Benavides-Varela3Silvia Benavides-Varela4Antonino Visalli5Giada Viviani6Maria Montefinese7Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, ItalyDepartment of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, ItalyPadova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, ItalyDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, ItalyDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, ItalyIRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, ItalyDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, ItalyDepartment of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, ItalyBackgroundThis meta-analysis investigates the role of specific brain regions in semantic control processes using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). According to the Controlled Semantic Cognition framework, control processes help manage the contextually appropriate retrieval of semantic information by activating a distributed neural network, including the inferior frontal gyrus, the posterior middle temporal gyrus, and inferior parietal lobule. Lesions in these areas can lead to difficulties in manipulating weakly activated or competing semantic information. Researchers have used TMS to simulate such deficits in healthy individuals.MethodBy synthesizing results from TMS studies that targeted these regions, we aimed to evaluate whether neurostimulation over these areas can effectively impair participants’ performance under high semantic control demands.ResultsResults from different meta-analytical approaches consistently showed no significant effects of TMS, especially after correcting for publication bias. Nevertheless, variability in experimental methodologies was evident.ConclusionThese findings raise questions about the effectiveness of TMS in simulating deficits in semantic control and highlight the need for methodological improvements in future studies to enhance reliability and interpretability.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1435338/fullcontrolled semantic cognitionsemantic controlsemantic representationsemantic aphasiatranscranial magnetic stimulation
spellingShingle Ettore Ambrosini
Ettore Ambrosini
Ettore Ambrosini
Silvia Benavides-Varela
Silvia Benavides-Varela
Antonino Visalli
Giada Viviani
Maria Montefinese
Evaluating semantic control with transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Frontiers in Psychology
controlled semantic cognition
semantic control
semantic representation
semantic aphasia
transcranial magnetic stimulation
title Evaluating semantic control with transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review with meta-analysis
title_full Evaluating semantic control with transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review with meta-analysis
title_fullStr Evaluating semantic control with transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review with meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Evaluating semantic control with transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review with meta-analysis
title_short Evaluating semantic control with transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review with meta-analysis
title_sort evaluating semantic control with transcranial magnetic stimulation a systematic review with meta analysis
topic controlled semantic cognition
semantic control
semantic representation
semantic aphasia
transcranial magnetic stimulation
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1435338/full
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