tACS motor system effects can be caused by transcutaneous stimulation of peripheral nerves

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08183-w
• Publication Date: 2019-01-11T10:57:06Z
• Authors: Boateng Asamoah; Ahmad Khatoun; Myles Mc Laughlin
• Keywords: Neuromodulation; Motor System; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation method which has been shown to modulate hearing, motor, cognitive and memory function. However, the mechanisms underpinning these findings are controversial, as studies show that reaching cortex may not be strong enough entrain neural activity. Here, we propose new hypothesis reconcile opposing results: tACS effects caused by transcutaneous of peripheral nerves in skin transcranial cortical neurons. Rhythmic activity from then entrains A series experiments rats humans isolated showed reported on motor system can nerves. Whether or mechanism will generalize other systems debatable but should investigated.