Abstract
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) plays a key role in working memory. Evidence indicates that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the DLPFC can interfere with working memory performance. Here we investigated for how long continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) over the DLPFC decreases working memory performance and whether the effect of cTBS on performance depends on working memory load. Forty healthy young subjects received either cTBS over the left DLPFC or sham stimulation before performing a 2-, and 3-back working memory letter task. An additional 0-back condition served as a non-memory-related control, measuring general attention. cTBS over the left DLPFC significantly impaired 2-back working memory performance for about 15 min, whereas 3-back and 0-back performances were not significantly affected. Our results indicate that the effect of left DLPFC cTBS on working memory performance lasts for roughly 15 min and depends on working memory load.
Highlights
Delta ACC Delta ACC 0-back Delta ACC 2-back Delta ACC 3-back
The headings for ME WM-load, ME stimulation and ME block do not accurately appear
Note. * p < .017 representing Bonferroni corrected α level for the post-hoc tests
Summary
Delta ACC Delta ACC 0-back Delta ACC 2-back Delta ACC 3-back ME stimulation p = 0.03 p = 0.13 p = 0.0036* p = 0.81
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
