Toward integrative approaches to study the causal role of neural oscillations via transcranial electrical stimulation

Nat Commun. 2021 Apr 14;12(1):2243. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22468-7.

Abstract

Diverse transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) techniques have recently been developed to elucidate the role of neural oscillations, but critically, it remains questionable whether neural entrainment genuinely occurs and is causally related to the resulting behavior. Here, we provide a perspective on an emerging integrative research program across systems, species, theoretical and experimental frameworks to elucidate the potential of tES to induce neural entrainment. We argue that such an integrative agenda is a requirement to establish tES as a tool to test the causal role of neural oscillations and highlight critical issues that should be considered when adopting a translational approach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Clocks
  • Humans
  • Nervous System / chemistry*
  • Nervous System Physiological Phenomena*
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation* / instrumentation
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation* / methods