The Effect of Prefrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Attention Network Function in Healthy Volunteers

Citation

Miler JA, Meron D, Baldwin DS & Garner M (2018) The Effect of Prefrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Attention Network Function in Healthy Volunteers. Neuromodulation, 21 (4), pp. 355-361. https://doi.org/10.1111/ner.12629

Abstract
Objectives The effect of acute transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cortical attention networks remains unclear. We examined the effect of 20 min of 2 mA dorsolateral prefrontal cortex tDCS (bipolar balanced montage) on the efficiency of alerting, orienting and executive attention networks measured by the attention network test. Materials and Methods A between‐subjects stratified randomized design compared active tDCS vs. sham tDCS on attention network function in healthy young adults. Results Executive attention was greater following active vs. sham stimulation (d = 0.76) in the absence of effects on alerting, orienting, or global RT or error rates. Group differences were not moderated by state‐mood. Conclusion(s) Twenty minutes of active 2 mA tDCS over left DLPFC is associated with greater executive attention in healthy humans.

Keywords
attention network test; attention control; executive control; transcranial direct current stimulation;

Journal
Neuromodulation: Volume 21, Issue 4