After-effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation on evoked delta and theta power

Objective

Phase synchronization is suggested to be among the mechanisms that can explain the effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). However, little is known about the effects of tACS on event-related oscillatory activity. Therefore the objective was to investigate frequency-related effects of frontal tACS on event-related oscillatory power.

Methods

In a double blind randomized controlled cross-over design, twenty-four participants received 12 min of delta (2.5 Hz), theta tACS (5 Hz) and sham tACS at an intensity of 1 mA peak-to-peak. Event-related delta- and theta-related oscillatory activity was recorded to reward- and punishment-related feedback signals.

Results

Delta tACS decreased feedback-related oscillatory power in the 1.5 and 3.5 Hz frequency range. This effect was driven by power changes below the tACS frequency stimulation.

Conclusion

Exogenous field potentials can attenuate event-related oscillatory activity in a rhythm slightly below the stimulation frequency. Our findings suggest an interaction between tACS and event-related rhythmic activity that extends beyond phase synchronization.

Significance

These findings add novel insights into the mechanisms of tACS after-effects.