Effects of single/dual-target transcranial alternating current stimulation on working memory in healthy individuals
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | 45 healthy adult participants |
| I — Intervention | Dual-target high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) |
| C — Comparator | Single-target HD-tACS and sham stimulation |
| O — Outcomes | Working memory performance measured by n-back tasks, cortical activation patterns via fNIRS, and functional connectivity changes |
Bottom Line
This randomized controlled trial suggests dual-target transcranial alternating current stimulation may enhance working memory performance in healthy adults, particularly under high cognitive load conditions. The study used fNIRS to demonstrate associated changes in prefrontal and temporal cortical activation and functional connectivity. However, the evidence quality is limited by single-blind design, small sample size, and lack of quantitative results in the available abstract. While the neurophysiological approach is methodologically sound, the clinical significance remains unclear without effect size data. The intervention requires specialized equipment and expertise, limiting immediate clinical translation. Further research with larger samples, double-blind methodology, and comprehensive safety reporting is needed before considering clinical applications.
Key Findings
P Value: Not reported
Effect Size: Not reported in abstract
Primary Outcome: Working memory performance improvement with dual-target tACS
Nnt Or Sensitivity: Greater proportion of responders with dual-target stimulation (specific numbers not provided)
Confidence Interval: Not reported
Clinical Application
HD-tACS requires specialized equipment and trained personnel, limiting widespread implementation tACS devices would require TGA approval for therapeutic use; currently limited to research settings in Australia Healthy adults seeking cognitive enhancement, potentially applicable to patients with working memory deficits
Abstract
This study compared the effects of single- and dual-target high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation(tACS) on working memory and explored the associated neural mechanisms using functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS). In a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled design, 45 healthy participants received either dual-target stimulation, single-target stimulation, or sham stimulation, before and after which working memory performance was performed using n-back tasks with simultaneous fNIRS recording. Behavioral results showed that dual-target stimulation improved working memory performance, particularly under higher cognitive load, and yielded a greater proportion of responders when compared with sham stimulation, whereas single-target stimulation induced relatively limited effects. fNIRS findings indicated that dual-target stimulation modulated task-related cortical activation in prefrontal and temporal regions and enhanced both intra- and inter-hemispheric functional connectivity. Moreover, improvements in task accuracy were associated with strengthened functional connectivity within the frontoparietal and default mode networks. These findings suggest that dual-target tACS may be a promising strategy for enhancing working memory and highlight the importance of network-level modulation in cognitive enhancement.
References
- 1.Zhou, S., Zhang, B., Gao, Y., Yu, B., & Wang, K. (2026). Effects of single/dual-target transcranial alternating current stimulation on working memory in healthy individuals. Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2026.02.014
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