Pulsed transcranial electric brain stimulation enhances speech comprehension.

摘要: Abstract Background One key mechanism thought to underlie speech processing is the alignment of cortical brain rhythms acoustic input, a termed entrainment. Recent work showed that transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) in relevant frequencies or adapted envelope can fact enhance processing. However, it unclear whether an oscillatory tES necessary, if transients (e.g., peaks signal) at times are sufficient. Objective In this study we used novel pulsed-tES-protocol and tested behaviorally transiently pulsed - instead persistently oscillating signal, improve Methods While subjects listened spoken sentences embedded noise, brief electric direct current pulses aligned (syllable onsets) were applied auditory cortex regions modulate comprehension. Additionally, modulated temporal delay between tES-pulses test for periodic modulations behavior, indicative entrainment by tES. Results Speech comprehension was improved when with 100 ms respect transients. Contradictory previous reports find no modulation behavior. indications be spurious results sampling behavioral data too coarsely. Conclusions Subject’s benefits from pulsed-tES, yet behavior not periodically. Thus, pulsed-tES aid which especially noisy environment. Yet, does seem entrain oscillations itself.