Modulating inhibitory control with direct current stimulation of the superior medial frontal cortex

The executive control of voluntary action involves not only choosing from a range of possible actions but also the inhibition of responses as circumstances demand. Recent studies have demonstrated that many clinical populations, such as people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, exhibit difficulties in inhibitory control. One prefrontal area that has been particularly associated with inhibitory control is the pre-supplementary motor area (Pre-SMA). Here we applied non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over Pre-SMA to test its role in this behavior. tDCS allows for current to be applied in two directions to selectively excite or suppress the neural activity of Pre-SMA. Our results showed that anodal tDCS improved efficiency of inhibitory control. Conversely, cathodal tDCS showed a tendency towards impaired inhibitory control. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of non-invasive intervention tDCS altering subjects' inhibitory control. These results further our understanding of the neural bases of inhibitory control and suggest a possible therapeutic intervention method for clinical populations.

Research Highlights► Anodal tDCS over Pre-SMA improves the efficiency of inhibitory control. ► Cathodal tDCS over Pre-SMA decreases the efficiency of inhibitory control. ► The first study to demonstrate tDCS can alter inhibitory control bidirectionally. ► Providing further understanding of the neural basis of inhibitory control.