Enhancement of neurophysiological signatures of working memory by combined yoga and tDCS

Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technology that can modulate cortical excitability. Similarly, yoga has been found to influence neuronal activity and cognition. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of combined yoga and tDCS on event-related potential (ERP) components during an N-Back working memory task. In a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design study, 22 healthy participants underwent a yoga/active tDCS session (2mA; 20min; anode on F3, cathode on F4) or a yoga/sham tDCS session on two different days. During the N-Back task, ERP components were obtained before and after each intervention. Results show that active tDCS plus yoga was associated with significant changes in the amplitude of the P200 component for the 2-Back in Fz and F3 channels and P300 for 3-Back in F3 and Pz electrodes. These results suggest that combining behavioral and electrical neuromodulation techniques may have the potential to enhance cognition and neurophysiological effects.