Prefrontal iTBS on Working Memory

Exploring the Effects of Prefrontal iTBS on Working Memory in Healthy Participants: a Concurrent TMS/fNIRS Study

The investigators previous pilot study showed that the brain remained activated after 3 minutes of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS). Therefore, an open question remains that how long the effects will last and when the maximum effects will be achieved. In addition, many pioneering works showed the positive effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on working memory. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a patterned form of rTMS, it has shown a non-inferior efficacy in depression but with a much shorter time (approximately 3 mins) than traditional rTMS (approximately 40 mins).

As discussed above, this study aims to investigate the effects of prefrontal iTBS on working memory using concurrent iTBS/fNIRS and to explore the duration of the effects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• right-handed participants
• normal or corrected-to-normal vision

Exclusion Criteria:

• a current or past diagnosis of any neurological or psychiatric disorder
• any severe medical conditions, seizure, and pregnancy
• contraindication to TMS (e.g., with mental implants)