Frequency-specific modulation of motor cortical excitability by transcranial alternating current stimulation
Abstract Background Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive technique that modulates neural oscillations, yet its specific effects on cortical excitability are not well-understood. This study investigated the effects of tACS on neuroplasticity in the primary motor corte...
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BMC
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-025-01610-2 |
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| author | Lei Tingting Chen Lilin Wang Chuangjia Si Jiamen Zhang Shuxian Ai Yinan Liu Hanjun Zheng Haiqing |
| author_facet | Lei Tingting Chen Lilin Wang Chuangjia Si Jiamen Zhang Shuxian Ai Yinan Liu Hanjun Zheng Haiqing |
| author_sort | Lei Tingting |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive technique that modulates neural oscillations, yet its specific effects on cortical excitability are not well-understood. This study investigated the effects of tACS on neuroplasticity in the primary motor cortex (M1) across different frequencies. Methods In this randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study, 18 healthy young adults received β-tACS γ-tACS, and sham stimulation over the M1. Neurophysiological responses were assessed using motor evoked potentials (MEPs), electroencephalograms (EEG), and transcranial evoked potentials (TEPs) to determine the frequency-specific effects of tACS on cortical excitability and neuroplasticity. Results γ-tACS significantly enhanced cortical excitability, as reflected by larger MEP amplitudes compared to both β-tACS and sham stimulation. In addition, γ-tACS resulted in significantly smaller M1-P15 amplitudes in TEP than other stimulation conditions. In contrast, β-tACS did not produce significant changes in either MEPs or TEPs compared to sham stimulation. Conclusion These findings provide evidence that tACS induces frequency-dependent effects on cortical excitability and neuroplasticity within the M1. This selective modulation of cortical excitability with γ-tACS suggests its potential as a therapeutic intervention for optimizing motor function and rehabilitation. Trial registration This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300074898, date of registration: 2023/08/18). |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9ae7ebf348ed4b8aa57110e0b9e0f5c8 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1743-0003 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation |
| spelling | doaj-art-9ae7ebf348ed4b8aa57110e0b9e0f5c82025-08-20T03:40:48ZengBMCJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation1743-00032025-03-0122111010.1186/s12984-025-01610-2Frequency-specific modulation of motor cortical excitability by transcranial alternating current stimulationLei Tingting0Chen Lilin1Wang Chuangjia2Si Jiamen3Zhang Shuxian4Ai Yinan5Liu Hanjun6Zheng Haiqing7Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversitySouthern Medical UniversityDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen UniversityDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen UniversityAbstract Background Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive technique that modulates neural oscillations, yet its specific effects on cortical excitability are not well-understood. This study investigated the effects of tACS on neuroplasticity in the primary motor cortex (M1) across different frequencies. Methods In this randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study, 18 healthy young adults received β-tACS γ-tACS, and sham stimulation over the M1. Neurophysiological responses were assessed using motor evoked potentials (MEPs), electroencephalograms (EEG), and transcranial evoked potentials (TEPs) to determine the frequency-specific effects of tACS on cortical excitability and neuroplasticity. Results γ-tACS significantly enhanced cortical excitability, as reflected by larger MEP amplitudes compared to both β-tACS and sham stimulation. In addition, γ-tACS resulted in significantly smaller M1-P15 amplitudes in TEP than other stimulation conditions. In contrast, β-tACS did not produce significant changes in either MEPs or TEPs compared to sham stimulation. Conclusion These findings provide evidence that tACS induces frequency-dependent effects on cortical excitability and neuroplasticity within the M1. This selective modulation of cortical excitability with γ-tACS suggests its potential as a therapeutic intervention for optimizing motor function and rehabilitation. Trial registration This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300074898, date of registration: 2023/08/18).https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-025-01610-2Transcranial alternating current stimulationPrimary motor cortexMoter evoked potentialsTMS evoked potentialsNeural modulation. |
| spellingShingle | Lei Tingting Chen Lilin Wang Chuangjia Si Jiamen Zhang Shuxian Ai Yinan Liu Hanjun Zheng Haiqing Frequency-specific modulation of motor cortical excitability by transcranial alternating current stimulation Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation Transcranial alternating current stimulation Primary motor cortex Moter evoked potentials TMS evoked potentials Neural modulation. |
| title | Frequency-specific modulation of motor cortical excitability by transcranial alternating current stimulation |
| title_full | Frequency-specific modulation of motor cortical excitability by transcranial alternating current stimulation |
| title_fullStr | Frequency-specific modulation of motor cortical excitability by transcranial alternating current stimulation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Frequency-specific modulation of motor cortical excitability by transcranial alternating current stimulation |
| title_short | Frequency-specific modulation of motor cortical excitability by transcranial alternating current stimulation |
| title_sort | frequency specific modulation of motor cortical excitability by transcranial alternating current stimulation |
| topic | Transcranial alternating current stimulation Primary motor cortex Moter evoked potentials TMS evoked potentials Neural modulation. |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-025-01610-2 |
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