Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Improves Spatial Working Memory in Healthy Young Adults

Frontiers in Neuroscience

Qian-Qian Tian¹  Meng-Kai Zhang¹  Ya-Peng Cui¹  Zi-Xin Yin¹  Xiao-Yu Guo¹  Hui Deng²  Chen Cheng²  Cong Wang²  Jin-Bo Sun²  Hang Yuan²  Xue-Juan Yang²  Wei Qin² 

[1] Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi’an, China;Intelligent Non-invasive Neuromodulation Technology and Transformation Joint Laboratory, Xidian University, Xi’an, China;

关键词: taVNS;    working memory;    n-back task;    cognitive enhancement;    non-invasive neuromodulation;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fnins.2021.790793

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Working memory (WM) is one of the core components of higher cognitive functions. There exists debate regarding the extent to which current techniques can enhance human WM capacity. Here, we examined the WM modulation effects of a previously less studied technique, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS). In experiment 1, a within-subject study, we aimed to investigate whether and which stimulation protocols of taVNS can modulate spatial WM performance in healthy adults. Forty-eight participants performed baseline spatial n-back tasks (1, 3-back) and then received online taVNS, offline taVNS, or sham stimulation before or during (online group) the posttest of spatial n-back tasks in random order. Results showed that offline taVNS could significantly increase hits in spatial 3-back task, whereas no effect was found in online taVNS or sham group. No significant taVNS effects were found on correct rejections or reaction time of accurate trials (aRT) in both online and offline protocols. To replicate the results found in experiment 1 and further investigate the generalization effect of offline taVNS, we carried out experiment 2. Sixty participants were recruited and received offline taVNS or offline earlobe stimulation in random order between baseline and posttests of behavioral tests (spatial/digit 3-back tasks). Results replicated the findings; offline taVNS could improve hits but not correct rejections or aRT in spatial WM performance, which were found in experiment 1. However, there were no significant stimulation effects on digit 3-back task. Overall, the findings suggest that offline taVNS has potential on modulating WM performance.

【 授权许可】

Unknown