Theta Entrainment to Modulate Cognitive Control of Language Functions

Abstract

Cognitive control refers to a set of functions serving to configure the cognitive system to execute difficult, novel, or complex tasks. Previous research has established a correlational relationship between cognitive control and the electroencephalography oscillatory frequency of theta localized to frontal midline regions. This study used high definition-transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) to entrain frontal midline theta in 47 healthy young adults to see if stimulation would enhance behavioral performance during three semantically cued Go/NoGo tasks. We used a 3-treatment 3-period crossover design; participants received theta HD-tACS, sham, and an active control frequency (alpha). Results showed theta entrainment increased Go accuracy across all three semantic Go/NoGo tasks, thus, enhancing response selection. There were no differences for NoGo accuracy or reaction time. This study lays a foundation for further exploration into the use of HD-tACS to enhance cognitive control in the healthy brain and has implications for treatment of clinical populations with dysfunctional oscillatory activity.