Effects of anodal tDCS on electroencephalography correlates of cognitive control in mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury.
Nickolas Mertens, James Cavanagh, Emma Brandt and 7 others
PMID 37638454WHAT IT FOUND
Anodal tDCS combined with cognitive training increased brain activity markers on an executive function task but not on working memory or attention tasks.
The study was small and used EEG outcomes, not behavioral improvements, so it does not yet support changing clinical practice for TBI rehabilitation.
Key findings
01Active anodal tDCS combined with cognitive training resulted in a significant increase in P3 amplitude at electrode FCz during the DPX task compared to sham.
02No significant tDCS effects were observed on the N-back working memory task or the 3AOB auditory oddball task.
03P3 amplitudes during the N-back task at electrode Pz decreased from baseline to post-intervention in both active and sham groups, suggesting a training effect rather than a stimulation effect.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study had a small sample size (n=33), which limits the generalizability of the findings. The outcomes were electrophysiological (EEG/ERP) rather than behavioral or functional, so it is unclear if the observed brain changes translate to real-world cognitive improvements. The intervention combined tDCS with cognitive training, making it impossible to determine if the effects were due to the stimulation, the training, or the combination. There was no significant improvement in the primary working memory or attention tasks, with some measures showing decreases over time in both groups.
Declared interests
The authors declare no competing conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the increased EEG amplitude in the DPX task as evidence that tDCS improves cognitive function or daily living skills in patients with TBI. The study measured brain electrical activity, not behavioral outcomes, and showed no benefit in other cognitive tasks.