Work

Rapid Review of Task-Based Outcomes Using Low-Intensity Focused Transcranial Ultrasound Neuromodulation in Humans and Primates

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low-intensity focused transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique with high spatial precision and the ability to target deep brain structures. Although it has been extensively studied in the past decade, the strength and mechanism of modulation are not fully characterized through conventional measures such as local field potential and electroencephalography. Behavioral tasks can offer relevant insights into the functional outcomes of TUS that neurophysiologic or imaging measures have not captured. The consolidation of the findings of existing task-based studies can guide future experimental designs to better assess these neuromodulatory effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This rapid review systematically evaluates the brain regions, task paradigms, and sonication parameters used in TUS studies with humans and nonhuman primates. The eligibility criteria were developed using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study Design framework to retrieve peer-reviewed, task-oriented TUS studies. Searches were conducted across Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, and IEEE Xplore data bases on January 6, 2026. Articles were independently screened using the Covidence systematic review software to avoid biases. RESULTS: We identified 41 studies across nine distinct cortical and subcortical regions, with varying sonication protocols and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that TUS is a promising tool for behavioral modulation. However, parameter optimization frameworks are necessary for this technology to yield significant and consistently reproducible results.

Source: Neuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface

DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2026.02.002