Anodal Transcranial Pulsed Current Stimulation at Alpha-Gamma Range Frequencies (10, 25, and 80 Hz): Effects on Corticospinal and Cortico-Cortical Excitability

Anodal Transcranial Pulsed Current Stimulation at Alpha-Gamma Range Frequencies (10, 25, and 80 Hz): Effects on Corticospinal and Cortico-Cortical Excitability | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 28 April 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Anodal Transcranial Pulsed Current Stimulation at Alpha-Gamma Range Frequencies (10, 25, and 80 Hz): Effects on Corticospinal and Cortico-Cortical Excitability Authors : Mona Malekahmad 0000-0003-1546-2817 [email protected] , Ashlyn Frazer , Maryam Zoghi , and Shapour Jaberzadeh 0000-0003-2957-4510 Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174582395.51659763/v1 268 views 128 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Introduction: The underlying mechanisms of transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, have attracted significant interest in recent years. However, the effects of anodal tPCS (a-tPCS) applied at alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (13-30 Hz), and gamma (30-100 Hz) frequencies remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the a-tPCS effects at 10, 25, and 80 Hz on cortical outcomes and adverse side effects. Methods: This double-blinded, randomized, counterbalanced crossover trial involved 15 healthy participants selected based on a power analysis. All participants completed four experimental sessions with 2mA stimulation for 20 minutes at randomized frequencies. Single-pulse and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) were applied pre- and post-assessments. A minimum 48-hour washout period was implemented to prevent carry-over effects between sessions. Results: The results indicated that a single session of a-tPCS at frequencies of 10, 25, and 80 Hz enhanced corticospinal excitability (CSE) compared to sham stimulation ( p < 0.05). The CSE-increased changes at 10 Hz (64.58%) and 25 Hz (44.82%) showed concurrent modulation of intracortical facilitation (ICF) and mild side effects during stimulation. However, the CSE-increased changes at 80 Hz (27.66%) coincided with a reduction in short intracortical inhibition (SICI), alongside minimal side effects and no phosphene perception. Conclusion: The results indicate that alpha-gamma range frequencies of a-tPCS increased CSE through glutamate-mediated pathways, whereas gamma-frequency stimulation may engage counter-regulatory GABAergic mechanisms. Thus, tPCS, as a neuromodulation technique that modulates neuroplasticity through frequency-dependent mechanisms, may offer a safer and more affordable option for vulnerable populations with fewer adverse effects. However, further research and clinical validation are needed to establish the efficacy of tPCS relative to other non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. Supplementary Material File (original manuscript.docx) Download 2.46 MB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 28 April 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Authors Affiliations Mona Malekahmad 0000-0003-1546-2817 [email protected] Monash University Department of Physiotherapy View all articles by this author Ashlyn Frazer Monash University Department of Physiotherapy View all articles by this author Maryam Zoghi Federation University Australia Library View all articles by this author Shapour Jaberzadeh 0000-0003-2957-4510 Monash University Department of Physiotherapy View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 268 views 128 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Mona Malekahmad, Ashlyn Frazer, Maryam Zoghi, et al. Anodal Transcranial Pulsed Current Stimulation at Alpha-Gamma Range Frequencies (10, 25, and 80 Hz): Effects on Corticospinal and Cortico-Cortical Excitability. Authorea . 28 April 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174582395.51659763/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . Format Please select one from the list RIS (ProCite, Reference Manager) EndNote BibTex Medlars RefWorks Direct import Tips for downloading citations document.getElementById('citMgrHelpLink').addEventListener('click', function() { popupHelp(this.href); return false; }); $(".js__slcInclude").on("change", function(e){ if ($(this).val() == 'refworks') $('#direct').prop("checked", false); $('#direct').prop("disabled", ($(this).val() == 'refworks')); }); View Options View options PDF View PDF Figures Tables Media Share Share Share article link Copy Link Copied! Copying failed. 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