The modulating effect on cortical functioning of multifocal transcranial direct current stimulation of the cortex with different polarity combinations
10.3760/cma.j.cn421666-20250126-00085
- VernacularTitle:多焦点经颅直流电刺激对健康人群大脑皮质功能的调控作用
- Author:
Yufei FANG
1
;
Chenbin XI
;
Huansong LI
;
Shuo QI
;
Jinglun YU
;
Zhen WEI
;
Zhqiang LIANG
Author Information
1. 宁波市第二医院康复医学科，宁波 315010
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Cerebral cortex;
Targeted stimulation;
Multifocal cortex stimulation;
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy;
Electric field simulation
- From:
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2025;47(8):745-753
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore any effect of excitatory and inhibitory multi-focal transcranial direct current stimulation (m-tDCS) on cortical functioning in healthy adults.Methods:Fifteen healthy participants received 20-minute excitatory and inhibitory episodes of m-tDCS targeting C1-C2-FC1-FC2. Finite element analysis and functional near-infrared spectroscopy were then used to model the normal component of the electric field (En) applied and to monitor the oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR), and total hemoglobin (THb) concentrations in the targeted regions during the stimulation.Results:The excitatory protocol induced En values of 0.057V/m and 0.058V/m in the left and right hemispheres, respectively, with an average of 0.058V/m, while the inhibitory one evoked corresponding En values of -0.057V/m and -0.058V/m with an average of -0.058V/m. During excitatory m-tDCS, HbO and THb concentrations in the target cortices were higher than in the inhibitory protocol, with significant differences at FC1, FC2, and C2 for HbO, and at FC2 and C2 for THb. However, no significant inter-group differences in HbR concentrations were observed. Moreover, either protocol induced severe adverse reactions including pain, though the pain decreased with prolonged stimulation.Conclusions:Both excitatory and inhibitory m-tDCS modulate cortical function among healthy individuals. Excitatory m-tDCS is the more effective in enhancing cortical excitability.
