Effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on responding in healthy young adults. Alexander
1,2 Conley ,
W. Ross
1,2 Fulham ,
2,3 Parsons
Mark
& Frini
1,2 Karayanidis
School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Australia; 2 Priority Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, Australia; 3School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia 1
[email protected] Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) interventions involve the application of a weak electrical current over the surface of the neocortex via two electrodes placed over the scalp of the individual. Anodal tDCS studies over the motor cortex have associated the application of stimulation with increases in motor output. However there is still no knowledge of how anodal tDCS affects the response processes that are creating these outcomes. We examined the effects of anodal tDCS of the dominant motor area on fine motor control and two response processes, response preparation and response selection. 22 healthy right-handed young adults (9 male, mean age 21.27 ± 2.6 yrs) completed two experimental sessions separated by 3 weeks. Across these two sessions they each received one session of active anodal tDCS and one session of sham.
Participants were split into 2 stimulation order groups, one that received sham in their first session and one that received active anodal tDCS in their first session. • Anode: Left primary motor cortex • Cathode: Contralateral supraorbital region • Electrode size: 35cm2 • Stimulation session: 20 minutes • Current strength: of 1mA Participants completed the grooved pegboard, a fine motor task pre and post stimulation as well as two working memory tasks post-stimulation (Digit Span and Trails). Following stimulation, participants completed a cued go/nogo paradigm with directional and non-directional cue blocks. This was recorded by 64 EEG.
Cued Go/Nogo Paradigm
Behavioural Tests Digit Span
Trail Making
Group x Stimulation: p
