Improvements In Inhibitory Control Research Articles

Sensori-motor neurofeedback improves inhibitory control and induces neural changes: a placebo-controlled, double-blind, event-related potentials study

Background/ObjectiveInhibition is crucial for controlling behavior and is impaired in various psychopathologies. Neurofeedback holds promise in addressing cognitive deficits, and experimental research is essential for identifying its functional benefits. This study aimed to investigate whether boosting sensorimotor activity (SMR) improves inhibitory control in a final sample of healthy individuals (N = 53), while exploring the underlying neurophysiological mechanism. MethodParticipants were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving SMR neurofeedback training to enhance sensorimotor activity within the 12–15 Hz frequency range, and the other receiving sham feedback. Inhibition performance and neural correlates were evaluated with a Go-NoGo task before (T0) and after (T1) 10 neurofeedback sessions using event-related potentials. Data were analyzed via ANOVAs and regression analyses. ResultsCompared to placebo, the active group demonstrated higher absolute SMR power (p = 0.040) and improvements in inhibitory control, including faster response times and fewer inhibition errors (p < 0.001, d = 6.06), associated with a larger NoGoP3d amplitude (p < 0.001, d = 3.35). A positive correlation between the increase in SMR power and the rise in NoGoP3d amplitude (β=0.46, p = 0.015) explains 21 % of the observed variance. ConclusionsUptraining SMR power is linked to heightened utilization of neural resources for executing optimal inhibition responses. These results uphold its effectiveness in cognitive rehabilitation.

The effect of structured brain gym and brisk walking training on the executive functions of university students: a single-blinded randomised controlled trial

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of structured brain gym and brisk walking training on the executive functions (inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility) of university students. The study was designed as a single-blinded prospective randomised controlled trial with the participation of university students. 42 sedentary university students(18–25 years) joined in the study. The participants were randomly divided into three groups (two intervention groups and one control group): The Structured Brain Gym Group (SBGG), the Brisk Walking Group (BWG) and the Control Group (CG). The interventions consisted of 50-min exercise twice a week for an 8-week period. BWG attended into brisk walking programme as moderate-intensity aerobic exercise; meanwhile, SBGG performed structured brain gym activities. CG did not participate in any regular physical activities during the 8 weeks. Executive function tests (Stroop colour test, forward and backward digit span test, frontal assessment battery and verbal fluency test) were applied to the participants as a pre-test and post-test. Kruskal–Wallis, Wilcoxon test and Mann–Whitney U tests were used in the statistical analyses. According to the statistical analysis, both BWG and SBGG indicated significant improvement in inhibitory control (p < 0.05) and general frontal functions (p < 0.05) following the intervention. However, compared to BWG, the improvement in inhibitory control was better in SBGG. No change was found in working memory and cognitive flexibility in any of the groups. We can recommend that cognitively demanding and fun aerobic exercise tasks can be used to improve young adult’s inhibitory control.

Executive function performance in children and adolescent patients with narcolepsy type 1

ObjectiveThe executive function profile in patients with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) has been mentioned; however, limited research exists on children and adolescent patients with NT1.This study aims to assess executive function in children and adolescent patients with NT1 in China, examine potential influencing factors and evaluate the short-term treatment effect on executive function. Methods53 NT1 patients (36 males, age 12.2 ± 3.4 years) and 37 healthy controls (23 males, age 12.2 ± 2.5 years) underwent self-reported measures assessing subjective sleepiness, depression, anxiety and sleep quality. A comprehensive neuropsychological test was administered to assess executive function domains, including processing speed, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and working memory. These assessments were repeated in NT1 patients after three-day regular drug treatment. ResultsNT1 patients exhibited higher levels of excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality compared to healthy controls. Patients showed impaired processing speed, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility (p < 0.05), whereas working memory was unaffected (p > 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that parameters from sleep monitoring, such as sleep efficiency and sleep latency, were correlated with executive function performance after controlling for age, gender, and education years. The short-term treatment led to improvements in inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. ConclusionThe findings showed that executive function was impaired among children and adolescent patients with NT1, which was associated with objective sleep parameters. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the necessity of neuropsychological assessments and early interventions among children and adolescent NT1 patients.

An investigation of the acute effects of aerobic exercise on executive function and cortical excitability in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Previous studies have shown that aerobic exercise has beneficial effects on executive function in adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The underlying mechanisms could be partially due to aerobic exercise-induced cortical excitability modulation. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of acute aerobic exercise on executive functions and cortical excitability and the association between these phenomena in adolescents with ADHD. The study was conducted using a complete crossover design. Executive functions (inhibitory control, working memory, and planning) and cortical excitability were assessed in twenty-four drug-naïve adolescents with ADHD before and after acute aerobic exercise or a control intervention. Inhibitory control, working memory, and planning improved after acute aerobic exercise in adolescents with ADHD. Moreover, cortical excitability monitored by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) decreased after intervention in this population. Additionally, improvements in inhibitory control and working memory performance were associated with enhanced cortical inhibition. The findings provide indirect preliminary evidence for the assumption that changes in cortical excitability induced by aerobic exercise partially contribute to improvements in executive function in adolescents with ADHD.

Shifts in intrinsic neural timescale of hippocampus support the maturation of inhibitory control and working memory in youth

The intrinsic neural timescale (INT) provides temporal windows in brain activity that process information of different durations, crucial for the integration and segregation of external inputs and ultimately shaping cognition and behavior. Recent research has uncovered a pronounced INT hierarchy along the adult hippocampus's long-axis. Yet, the development of INT organization within the hippocampus—particularly the pattern of its hierarchical structure and its impact on cognitive development—has not been thoroughly investigated in youth. Here, we discovered that the INT distribution in youth presents a distinct hierarchical structure along both posterior-anterior and proximal-distal axes of the hippocampus. Strikingly, this hierarchical structure correlates significantly with the first principal gradient of the hippocampal-cortical functional connectome and the thickness of hippocampal grey matter. Furthermore, we observed notable changes in the hippocampal INT landscape during youth, characterized by a general narrowing of timescales, alongside dedifferentiation along the hippocampal organizational axes. These maturational changes significantly link to improvements in inhibitory control and working memory performance. Collectively, our findings reveal the developmental patterns of temporal integration and segregation hierarchies within hippocampus, and highlights the profound significance of INT as a neural underpinning that orchestrates cognitive growth.

Effects of different exercise interventions on executive function in children with autism spectrum disorder: a network meta-analysis.

A large body of research has identified the positive effects of physical activity on children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, the specific benefits of different types of sports on executive functioning in children with ASD remain unclear. The aim of this study was to further analyze the effects of different sports on executive functioning in children with ASD using reticulated meta-analysis and to establish their effectiveness ranking. This study conducted a comprehensive online search in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and CNKI databases. It included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, and synthesized the data using a Bayesian framework. Several relevant studies were included. The results showed that physical activity significantly improved all three dimensions of executive functioning (inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory) in children with ASD. The improvement in cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control both reached a medium effect size. However, the improvement in inhibitory control was better than that in cognitive flexibility, while the improvement in working memory did not reach the level of a medium effect. Mini Basketball was effective in improving inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, but not working memory. Ping Pong was more effective in cognitive flexibility and working memory, but weaker in inhibitory control. Fixed Bicycle was less effective in all three dimensions. Among other interventions, Learning Bicycles, Animal-assisted therapy, and Exergaming performed better in cognitive flexibility. SPARK, Neiyang Gong, and Martial Arts were also effective in improving inhibitory control. However, SPARK and Fixed Bicycle were not significant in improving working memory. Physical activity as an intervention can significantly improve the executive function of children with ASD. The intervention effects of different sports on different dimensions of executive function vary. Mini Basketball was outstanding in improving inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Ping Pong was effective in improving cognitive flexibility and working memory. Fixed Bicycle was not effective in any dimension.

Effects of cognitively engaging physical activity interventions on executive function in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of cognitively engaging Physical Activity (PA) interventions on Executive Function (EF) in children and adolescents. It examines how different intervention modalities, durations, frequencies, and session lengths influence these effects. We followed the PRISMA guidelines and searched PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant studies. Studies were included if they were Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) focusing on PA with cognitive elements targeting EF in healthy children and adolescents. Data were extracted and effect sizes computed using Standardized Mean Differences (SMDs). From an initial 1,635 articles, 23 studies with 2,857 participants were included. The overall effect of cognitively engaging PA on EF was significant (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.51), with notable improvements in inhibitory control (SMD = 0.35) and working memory (SMD = 0.34). High heterogeneity was observed (I 2 = 91.1%). Moderator analyses revealed that interventions lasting more than 6 weeks, with sessions over 20 min and conducted more than twice a week, were particularly effective. Cognitively engaging PA interventions positively impact EF in children and adolescents, particularly in inhibitory control. Effective interventions are characterized by longer duration, higher frequency, and extended session lengths. These findings underscore the importance of integrating cognitive challenges within PA programs to enhance EF, warranting future research and practical applications in educational and developmental settings.

Effectiveness of social management training on executive functions in males with Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY)

Men with an extra X chromosome are at risk for social difficulties in which executive functions are known to play an important role. The aim of this study was to examine the potential efficacy of a novel neurocognitive-behavioral treatment program tailored to the specific vulnerabilities of Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY). Social Management Training (SMT) aimed to increase the ability of individuals to regulate their thoughts, emotions and behaviors in ways that are socially adaptive. 16 Adolescents and men with Klinefelter Syndrome participated in SMT. This novel group treatment program consists of 10 sessions and includes psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral skills training, home-assignments, and relaxation exercises. There were pre- and posttest cognitive assessments (five months apart) of executive functioning including sustained attention, inhibition, cognitive flexibility and working memory, as well as self-evaluation of executive functioning in daily life. Significant pre- to posttest improvements in inhibitory control (performance test) and metacognition skills (self-report) were found, with effects sizes of 1.3 and 0.5, respectively. No effects of intervention were found on sustained attention, cognitive flexibility and working memory. These findings suggest that SMT, with a key focus on executive dysfunction and tailored to the behavioral and cognitive profile of males with Klinefelter syndrome, may be a promising and potentially efficacious treatment approach for improving self-control and social adaptation, although larger and randomized controlled studies are warranted.

24-Hour movement behaviors and executive functions in preschoolers: A compositional and isotemporal reallocation analysis.

This cross-sectional study explored the relationship between 24-hour movement behaviors and executive function (EF) in preschool children. A total of 426 Han Chinese preschoolers (231 males; 3.8 ± 0.6 years old) from Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China were selected from October 2021 to December 2021. Accelerometers were used to measure physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), while sleep duration was obtained via a parent-report questionnaire. Components of EF (cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and working memory) were assessed using computerized behavioral tasks. The daily composition was significantly associated with inhibitory control and working memory. Inhibitory control improvements were linked to the addition of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at the expense of SB and sleep. The reallocation between MVPA, SB, sleep, and light physical activity yielded a significant association with working memory.

Effect of Cognitive Training Programs Based on Computer Systems on Executive Functions in Children With ADHD: A Systematic Review

Background: The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize the existing literature reporting the effects of computerized cognitive trainings on the executive functions of children with ADHD. Method: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA statement; the primary sources used were five electronic databases (Scopus, Science Direct, Pubmed, Springer, Taylor & Francis). Results: 20 articles met the eligibility criteria, data on the training characteristics and the effects on executive functions were extracted, followed by an analysis of bias and the methodological quality of the studies. The results of the studies were widely heterogeneous, largely associated with the variety of training programs and the measurement instruments used. The most studied executive functions were working memory and inhibitory control. Some of the studies reported that the intervention led to significant effects on working memory and attention (N = 7), and improvements in inhibitory control (N = 5) and planning (N = 4) were also reported. At the same time, others did not report the effects of the intervention on these processes. The assessment of the quality of the evidence showed important risk biases among the reviewed studies. Conclusion: Some training based on computer systems showed positive effects on the executive functions of working memory, attention, and inhibitory control in children with ADHD. However, other training sessions did not show significant effects. In general, the evidence shows mixed results, a high diversity of measurement instruments, and high risks of bias between the studies. Therefore, the evidence has not been consistent about the general benefits of computerized training on the executive functions of children with ADHD.

Mindful Coping Power Effects on Children's Autonomic Nervous System Functioning and Long-Term Behavioral Outcomes.

Mindful Coping Power (MCP) was developed to enhance the effects of the Coping Power (CP) preventive intervention on children's reactive aggression by integrating mindfulness training into CP. In prior pre-post analyses in a randomized trial of 102 children, MCP improved children's self-reported anger modulation, self-regulation, and embodied awareness relative to CP but had fewer comparative effects on parent- and teacher-reported observable behavioral outcomes, including reactive aggression. It was hypothesized that MCP-produced improvements in children's internal awareness and self-regulation, if maintained or strengthened over time with ongoing mindfulness practice, would yield improvements in children's observable prosocial and reactive aggressive behavior at later time points. To appraise this hypothesis, the current study examined teacher-reported child behavioral outcomes at a one-year follow-up. In the current subsample of 80 children with one-year follow-up data, MCP produced a significant improvement in children's social skills and a statistical trend for a reduction in reactive aggression compared with CP. Further, MCP produced improvements in children's autonomic nervous system functioning compared with CP from pre- to post-intervention, with a significant effect on children's skin conductance reactivity during an arousal task. Mediation analyses found that MCP-produced improvements in inhibitory control at post-intervention mediated program effects on reactive aggression at the one-year follow-up. Within-person analyses with the full sample (MCP and CP) found that improvements in respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity were associated with improvements in reactive aggression at the one-year follow-up. Together, these findings indicate that MCP is an important new preventive tool to improve embodied awareness, self-regulation, stress physiology, and observable long-term behavioral outcomes in at-risk youth. Further, children's inhibitory control and autonomic nervous system functioning emerged as key targets for preventive intervention.

A study on the effects of three game intervention programs on executive functions of preschool autistic children

Executive dysfunction has been widely reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although studies have demonstrated the intervention effect of sports game and pretend play on children’s executive function, few studies have examined the effect of Comprehensive games, and similar studies in children with ASD are scarce. In order to investigate the effect of different games on the executive functions of preschool children with ASD, 24 preschool children with ASD were selected in this study. According to the results in the executive function Pre-test, measured by the autistic children’s behavior scale and in the verbal behavior milestone assessment, the subjects were divided into three groups, and received 8 wk’ sports games, pretend play and comprehensive games interventions respectively. After the first 4 wk’ intervention, their executive functions undertook a mid-test, and the final assessment was done at the end the following 4 wk. The results showed that: (1) sports games significantly improved the working memory and cognitive flexibility of preschool children with ASD. The early stage could see the intervention effect on their working memory, while the effect on cognitive flexibility was shown in the late stage; (2) Pretend play effectively improved the working memory and cognitive flexibility of preschool children with ASD, and the intervention effect emerged in the late stage; (3) comprehensive game effectively improved the working memory and cognitive flexibility of preschoolers with ASD both before and after the intervention, and the improvement of inhibitory control has reached a marginal significant level. The intervention effect of comprehensive game was better than that of single sports games or pretends play. The results of this study have both theoretical and practical significance for the intervention of ASD children’s cognitive development.

Facilitation of simultaneous control? A meta-analysis of the inhibitory spillover effect.

Impaired inhibitory control is a core transdiagnostic mechanism in psychopathology. Directly targeting inhibitory control in intervention studies has, however, produced only little improvement. Recently, promising improvements in inhibitory control were shown by capitalizing on the inhibitory spillover effect (ISE). The central requirement of ISE is a simultaneous execution of two tasks, allowing for improved inhibitory control in the target task when control is simultaneously recruited in an induction task. The magnitude of the ISE remains to be assessed. In this preregistered meta-analysis, we synthesized eligible data from studies across psychology with the central requirement of simultaneity; thus, we deliberately included also studies meeting this requirement without the explicit aim to investigate the ISE. Results confirmed previous evidence of the ISE and documented a statistically significant small effect size (g = 0.27). Of the different induction types, cognitive induction showed the largest effects, whereas physiological and attentional induction tasks were less effective. In contrast, motor induction did not result in a significant ISE. Due to high between-study heterogeneity, we analyzed several preregistered and exploratory moderators, out of which only duration of the experimental sequence, group affiliation, and planned investigation of the ISE were significant. Sensitivity analyses yielded no indication of a publication bias. Taken together, this meta-analysis suggests that the ISE is a small, but substantial and robust effect. Future research should investigate how the ISE is applied best to reap its practical value in new treatment approaches for individuals with inhibition impairments. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Meta-analysis on the effects of moderate-intensity exercise intervention on executive functioning in children.

We evaluated the effect of moderate-intensity exercise intervention in children and summarized the optimal exercise intervention program. Five significant databases, namely, Web of Science, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, were searched, and the literature was screened strictly according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and analyzed using Stata 15.1 software. There were 25 studies from 22 articles, with a total of 2118 subjects included in the results. According to the meta-analysis, exercise intervention effectively improved children's working memory [SMD = -1.05, 95% CI (-1.26, -0.84)] and cognitive flexibility [SMD = -0.86, 95% CI (-1.04, -0.69)], with a minor improvement in inhibitory control [SMD = -0.55, 95% CI (-0.68, -0.42)]. a) Improvements in children's working memory and cognitive flexibility by moderate-intensity exercise interventions reached large effect sizes, and improvements in inhibitory control obtained moderate effect sizes. b) Better improvement in working memory for children aged 10 to 12 years than for children aged 6 to 9 years and better cognitive flexibility for children aged 6 to 9 years than for children aged 10 to 12 years. c) Exercise intervention programs lasting 8 to 12 weeks, 3 to 4 times/week, and 30 min/time are most effective in improving executive function in children.

Different Exercise Types Produce the Same Acute Inhibitory Control Improvements When the Subjective Intensity Is Equal.

Twenty-eight active older people (67.19 ± 4.91 years) who engaged in physical exercise activity twice a week were recruited to participate in a counterbalanced experimental protocol. The participants performed three different exercise sessions on three different days, one based on aerobic activities, one based on strength exercises with elastic bands, and one based on stationary balance games. During all three sessions, they were encouraged to maintain a moderate subjective intensity (5–6 on the RPE10 scale), and their heart rate was recorded. In addition, all of the participants took a digital version of the Stroop test before and after each session. The study aimed to compare the acute cognitive impacts of different types of exercise sessions in older adults. The participants’ heart rate differed between the exercise sessions, but they maintained the RPE intensity. There was a significant improvement in inhibitory control (Stroop test) after all sessions, with no differences between exercise sessions. Moreover, some participants agreed to be genotyped to record the single nucleotide polymorphism of BDNF rs6265. There were no differences between Val/Val and Met carriers at the beginning or end of the exercise sessions. The present study showed similar cognitive improvements with different exercise type sessions when the subjective intensity was maintained.

Maturational Indices of the Cognitive Control Network Are Associated with Inhibitory Control in Early Childhood.

Goal-directed behavior crucially relies on our capacity to suppress impulses and predominant behavioral responses. This ability, called inhibitory control, emerges in early childhood with marked improvements between 3 and 4 years. Here, we ask which brain structures are related to the emergence of this critical ability. Using a multimodal approach, we relate the pronounced behavioral improvements in different facets of 3- and 4-year-olds' (N = 37, 20 female) inhibitory control to structural indices of maturation in the developing brain assessed with MRI. Our results show that cortical and subcortical structure of core regions in the adult cognitive control network, including the PFC, thalamus, and the inferior parietal cortices, is associated with early inhibitory functioning in preschool children. Probabilistic tractography revealed an association of frontoparietal (i.e., the superior longitudinal fascicle) and thalamocortical connections with early inhibitory control. Notably, these associations to brain structure were distinct for different facets of early inhibitory control, often referred to as motivational ("hot") and cognitive ("cold") inhibitory control. Our findings thus reveal the structural brain networks and connectivity related to the emergence of this core faculty of human cognition.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The capacity to suppress impulses and behavioral responses is crucial for goal-directed behavior. This ability, called inhibitory control, develops between the ages of 3 and 4 years. The factors behind this developmental milestone have been debated intensely for decades; however, the brain structure that underlies the emergence of inhibitory control in early childhood is largely unknown. Here, we relate the pronounced behavioral improvements in inhibitory control between 3 and 4 years with structural brain markers of gray matter and white matter maturation. Using a multimodal approach that combines analyses of cortical surface structure, subcortical structures, and white matter connectivity, our results reveal the structural brain networks and connectivity related to this core faculty of human cognition.

Effect of physical exercise and noninvasive brain stimulation on cognition and dementia of elderly people with frailty: A randomized study

AbstractThe objective was to verify the effects of intervention with physical and mental exercises (PMED) and noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on cognition and dementia of frail elderly people with mild cognitive deficits. Sixty elderly people (aged 65–80 years) were divided into three groups, an experimental group (GAE) that received intervention with PMED plus NIBS, a control group for physical exercises (GCA), which received only the PMED, and the third also control non‐invasive brain stimulation group (GCF) that practiced only the NIBS intervention. The three types of intervention lasted 10 weeks, with 60 min per session The GAE received 20 min of NIBS, 5 min for warm‐up, 30 min for physical and mental training and 5 min for a cooling down rest. The other two groups had the same period per section, being that the GCA, in place of the real NIBS, had 20 min of white noise and the GCF, instead of practicing the real plan of physical exercises as did the other groups, experienced 30 min of relaxing exercises for body relaxation. Inhibitory control, working memory, dementia symptoms, and the brainwaves alpha‐band rhythm and resting‐state sensorimotor rhythm [SMR]) were the variables evaluated before and after the interventions. Individuals in the GAE group showed improvement in working memory (p &lt; 0.0001), but those in the GCF (p &gt; 0.05) and the GCA (p &gt; 0.05) groups did not. All groups experienced an improvement in inhibitory control, alpha‐band rhythm and in the SMR rhythms. All groups also obtained a reduction in the dementia symptoms, but no difference between groups was observed. So, the interventions improved cognition, reduced dementia symptoms, and had a modulating effect on alpha wave activity and SMR in elderly people with mild cognitive deficits and frailty, but only the combined intervention (PMED plus NIBS) improved working memory.

Effects of Varied Practice Approach in Physical Education Teaching on Inhibitory Control and Reaction Time in Preadolescents

This study aimed to investigate the effects of nonlinear and linear varied practice compared to a constant linear practice on inhibitory control and reaction time, which are capacities that involve cognition in preadolescents. Eighty-three participants in the 8th grade participated in the study. They were assigned to two experimental groups (varied practice), taught using nonlinear pedagogy (NLP) and linear pedagogy (VLP), respectively, or one control group (constant practice), taught using linear pedagogy (CLP). All participants were tested for inhibitory control (congruent and incongruent conditions) and simple reaction time. Overall, varied practice (both linear and nonlinear) induced larger improvements than constant practice under both congruent (p = 0.026) and incongruent (p = 0.013) conditions of inhibitory control. Additionally, VLP provided greater improvements in inhibitory control (for the incongruent condition) than NLP and CLP. Although NLP and VLP may be preferable to CLP approaches for enhancing executive functions in preadolescents, VLP seems to be the most effective approach aimed to improve cognition within PE classes.

Anodal stimulation of inhibitory control and craving in satiated restrained eaters

ABSTRACT Objectives Eating and weight disorders are severe and complex clinical conditions which, among other behaviors, include (attempts at) restrained eating, food avoidance, following dietary rules, and overeating. Comparable to women with obesity, restrained eaters (RE) without formal eating disorder diagnosis are worse at inhibiting their motor responses than unrestrained eaters (URE). According to neuroimaging studies, the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) is involved in inhibitory control which, in turn, could be improved by neuromodulation such as anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) across rIFG. Methods This double-blind sham-controlled cross-over study was conducted after a standardized breakfast. Normal-weight female RE und URE performed a stop-signal task (SST) with food and non-food stimuli during sham or anodal tDCS. Food craving, hunger, and satiety were self-reported before and after tDCS. We employed a mixed between-subjects (group: RE vs. URE) and within-subjects factorial design (tDCS: anodal tDCS vs. sham; stimuli: food vs. control pictures). Results Breakfast consumption was comparable for RE and URE, as well as craving, hunger, and thirst. Regarding inhibitory control, a significant two-way interaction between group and tDCS ermerged: RE had longer stop-signal reaction times (SSRTs) during sham tDCS, but they improved to the level of URE by application of anodal tDCS. Discussion Results replicated an inhibitory control deficit in RE with longer SSRTs compared to URE without stimulation. During anodal tDCS to the rIFG, reduced SSRTs in RE indicated an improvement in inhibitory control. The findings suggest a specificity of rIFG stimulation in at-risk groups with regards to inhibitory control irrespective of craving.

Effects of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation on inhibitory and attention control in children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A pilot randomized sham-controlled crossover study

The pathophysiological of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) includes hypoactivation of the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Most studies have used anodal (excitatory) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve ADHD symptoms, however, a meta-analysis showed limited effect on improving inhibition, and no evidence of attention improvement. We thus present a pilot protocol for investigating the effect of other montage i.e. cathodal (inhibitory) tDCS on neurophysiological and behavioral measures in ADHD. Eleven participants underwent active (1.5 mA, 20 min) and sham cathodal tDCS over the left DLPFC for 5 consecutive days at a 1-month interval. Quantitative electroencephalography was recorded in a resting state with the eyes opened and closed during visual go/no-go and auditory continuous performance tasks at baseline, after five sessions, and at 1-week and 1-month follow-ups. Correct responses and omission errors were recorded. After five active sessions, alpha power increased in the right frontal area when the eyes were opened, and delta power in the left frontal area and omission errors decreased during go/no-go tasks, with no differences at follow-ups. The results revealed improvements in inhibitory control, but not for attention. No aftereffects were observed in either outcomes. However, the changes found in both hemispheres would probably support the hypothesis that cathodal stimulation over the left DLPFC may increase the activity of the right DLPFC via transcallosal inhibition. Results of this pilot trial would help to design and implement a full-scale randomized control trials for further ADHD research. This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03955692).