Inhibitionskontrolle unter dem Einfluss transkranieller Gleichstromstimulation bei Rauchern

RWTH Publications (RWTH Aachen)

Abstract

A high level of impulsivity can pose a significant challenge both for society and for the individual. Particularly, the lack of inhibitory control ability can have far-reaching negative effects on personal life and the social environment. As a current research topic for potential non-invasive treatment, tDCS represents a promising tool that offers an alternative to conventional therapeutic approaches. Specifically, the advancement from conventional stimulation to HD-tDCS with a 4 x 1 ring configuration could potentially lead to improved results due to its targeted stimulation method. Against this background, this research group has already investigated the influence of tDCS on aggression and impulsivity, with the results showing a reduction in impulsivity. However, it remained unclear whether this change was solely attributable to high impulsivity traits or whether the subjects' nicotine consumption influenced the results. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the potential influence of tobacco consumption on the effects of tDCS on response inhibition. This study employed a randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled approach. The participants, consisting of a group of tobacco users (n = 50) and a control group (n = 41), underwent the SST before and after active or sham stimulation of the rIFG. Both groups exhibited similar impulsivity traits to exclude these as potential influencing factors on the stimulation. The results showed no effects on response inhibition from active stimulation of the rIFG. However, a significant improvement in participants’ performance during the second execution of the SST was observed, which can be attributed to a learning effect. A subsequent exploratory analysis examined the moderating influence of nicotine levels on the effects of tDCS on SSRT. It was noted that the learning effect was absent in the group of tobacco users for both active- and sham-stimulation. Additionally, higher tobacco consumption, as measured by CO levels, was found to be positively correlated with longer SSRTs. The current state of research shows different results regarding stimulation success, which can depend on various influencing parameters as well as stimulation parameters. To ensure effective application in the clinical setting, it is therefore crucial to investigate these factors and develop individual stimulation schemes. This requires reproducing and standardizing existing stimulation protocols, influencing factors, and study results to ultimately achieve successful and consistent outcomes.

Authors 1

1. Maike Schrickel corresponding Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen