High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation modulates theta response during a Go-NoGo task in traumatic brain injury

Abstract

ObjectiveHigh Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) has been shown to improve cognitive performance in individuals with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI), although electrophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. MethodsVeterans with TBI underwent active anodal (N = 15) vs sham (N = 10) HD-tDCS targeting the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA). A Go-NoGo task was conducted simultaneously with electroencephalography (EEG) at baseline and after intervention completion. ResultsWe found increased theta event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) and inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC) during Go in the frontal midline electrodes overlying the pre-SMA after active HD-tDCS intervention, but not after sham. We also found increased theta phase coherence during Go between the frontal midline and left posterior regions after active HD-tDCS. A late increase in alpha-theta ERSP was found in the left central region after active HD-tDCS. Notably, lower baseline theta ERSP/ITPC in the frontal midline region predicted more post-intervention improvement in Go performance only in the active group. ConclusionsThere are local and interregional oscillatory changes in response to HD-tDCS modulation in chronic TBI. SignificanceThese findings may guide future research in utilizing EEG time–frequency metrics not only to measure interventional effects, but also in selecting candidates who may optimally respond to treatment.