Externally induced frontoparietal synchronization modulates network dynamics and enhances working memory performance

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.22001
• Publication Date: 2017-03-14T00:00:22Z
• Authors: Ines R Violante; Lucia M Li; David W Carmichael; Romy Lorenz; Robert Leech; Adam Hampshire; John C Rothwell; David J Sharp
• Keywords: Phase synchronization; Network Dynamics

Cognitive functions such as working memory (WM) are emergent properties of large-scale network interactions. Synchronisation oscillatory activity might contribute to WM by enabling the coordination long-range processes. However, causal evidence for way shapes dynamics and behavior in humans is limited. Here we applied transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) exogenously modulate a right frontoparietal that supports WM. Externally induced synchronization improved performance when cognitive demands were high. Simultaneously collected fMRI data reveals tACS effects dependent on relative phase internal processing state. Specifically, synchronous during verbal task increased parietal activity, which correlated with behavioral performance. Furthermore, functional connectivity results indicate influences information flow within network. Overall, our findings demonstrate link between demanding brain synchronization.