Effects of the metaplasticity-based theta-burst transcranial stimulation protocols on working memory performance

The study of the metaplasticity-based transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocols is an extensively studied approach to increase effectiveness stimulation. However, effects with different intervals between TMS blocks on cognitive functions are poorly understood. was aimed assess two theta-burst (iTBS) short and long working memory (WM) performance in healthy volunteers. A total 16 participants were underwent a single session each protocol, which applied random order (iTBS 0–15 — iTBS over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) interval 15 min followed by vertex area 60 after first block; 0–60 block DLPFC iTBS, min, second one; 0 one stimulation; control protocol three similar intervals). WM assessed using n-back test before third blocks. No significant or differences alterations results responder rates observed. trend toward statistical signficance reported for 0–15). Furthermore, low reproducibility individual effect reported. involving larger cohort volunteers taking into account other factors potentially influencing (number duration block) seems be promising.