Neural and behavioral effects of theta burst stimulation priming on processing of affective and neutral information in working memory

Abstract Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) has been increasingly used to target prefrontal brain regions, such as the dorsolateral cortex (DLPFC), improve neurocognitive and emotional functioning. However, despite promising outcomes, there is still a lot of variability in responses clinical efficacy remains rather modest. Interestingly, fundamental research targeting motor suggested use priming techniques enhance TBS-related changes cortical excitability. Hence, TBS - using prime protocol effects subsequent test can yield improved when applied over cortex. Moreover, recent developments field indicate that be highly efficacious reducing depressive symptoms. In this within-subjects, sham-controlled study, we investigated how different protocols left DLPFC affect cognitive performance task-related activity sample fifty healthy adults. Participants performed verbal working memory task, consisting affective neutral word stimuli, during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) after receiving one four combinations (i.e., followed by protocol); (1) sham + TBS, (2) intermittent (3) (4) continuous TBS. Each was separated 15-minute break week between each experimental session. Task participants’ activation patterns elicited task following conditions were assessed. During talk, behavioral neural findings will presented. implications study for further studies evaluating neurobehavioral on memory, neuropsychiatric samples, discussed. Keywords: Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS), (fMRI), Priming, Working Memory