Work

Dose-dependent enhancement of coordination through multibrain transcranial stimulation: A fNIRS hyperscanning study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Coordination serves as a fundamental driving force in the evolution of human society, and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is increasingly recognized for its ability to modulate human coordination. However, the neural mechanisms underlying coordination and whether tES positively influences it remain under investigation. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of interbrain synchronization (IBS) and the neural efficiency enhancement of the mirror neuron system (MNS) using single multibrain tES combined with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning, with a focus on the unique advantages of single online transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). Our findings revealed that 10 high-dose tES sessions led to greater improvements in coordination compared to single sessions, while offline transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) demonstrated superior efficacy. Notably, enhanced neural efficiency played a significant role in cumulative coordination improvements, indicating that the benefits of improved coordination extend beyond basic tasks and can be applied to more complex scenarios, such as coordinative flight operations. These results underscore the dose–response relationship in modulating brain activity related to IBS or the neural efficiency of MNS through various external tES modalities, thereby enhancing human coordination. • High-dose transcranial electrical stimulation (tES, 10 sessions) induces greater coordination improvements than single tES sessions. • Offline transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) outperforms single online tACS in enhancing neural efficiency and cumulative coordination benefits. • Enhanced neural efficiency of the mirror neuron system (MNS) drives coordination improvements applicable to complex scenarios like flight operations. • Multibrain tACS combined with fNIRS hyperscanning reveals interbrain synchronization (IBS) and MNS mechanisms underlying coordination. • tES demonstrates dose–response potential for modulating IBS and MNS activity to optimize human coordination.

Source: Brain Research Bulletin

DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2025.111579

Authors: Hongliang Lu, Yajuan Zhang, Mingming Zhang, Xia Zhu, Danmin Miao, Shengjun Wu

Institutions: Air Force Medical University, Shanghai Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,280