Dataset Information

Can visual cortex non-invasive brain stimulation improve normal visual function? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Multiple studies have explored the use of visual cortex non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to enhance visual function. These studies vary in sample size, outcome measures, and methodology. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess the effects of NIBS on visual functions in human participants with normal vision.

Methods

We followed the PRISMA guidelines, and a review protocol was registered with PROSPERO before study commencement (CRD42021255882). We searched Embase, Medline, PsychInfo, PubMed, OpenGrey and Web of Science using relevant keywords. The search covered the period from 1st January 2000 until 1st September 2021. Comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software was used for quantitative analysis.

Results

Fifty studies were included in the systematic review. Only five studies utilized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and no TMS studies met our pre-specified criteria for meta-analysis. Nineteen transcranial electrical stimulation studies (tES, 38%) met the criteria for meta-analysis and were the focus of our review. Meta-analysis indicated acute effects (Hedges's g = 0.232, 95% CI: 0.023-0.442, p = 0.029) and aftereffects (0.590, 95% CI: 0.182-0.998, p = 0.005) of tES on contrast sensitivity. Visual evoked potential (VEP) amplitudes were significantly enhanced immediately after tES (0.383, 95% CI: 0.110-0.665, p = 0.006). Both tES (0.563, 95% CI: 0.230-0.896, p = 0.001) and anodal-transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) alone (0.655, 95% CI: 0.273-1.038, p = 0.001) reduced crowding in peripheral vision. The effects of tES on visual acuity, motion perception and reaction time were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

There are significant effects of visual cortex tES on contrast sensitivity, VEP amplitude, an index of cortical excitability, and crowding among normally sighted individuals. Additional studies are required to enable a comparable meta-analysis of TMS effects. Future studies with robust experimental designs are needed to extend these findings to populations with vision loss.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov/, identifier CRD42021255882.

SUBMITTER: Bello UM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10017867 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Can visual cortex non-invasive brain stimulation improve normal visual function? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Bello Umar M UM Wang Jingying J Park Adela S Y ASY Tan Ken W S KWS Cheung Blossom W S BWS Thompson Benjamin B Cheong Allen M Y AMY

Frontiers in neuroscience 20230302

<h4>Objective</h4>Multiple studies have explored the use of visual cortex non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to enhance visual function. These studies vary in sample size, outcome measures, and methodology. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess the effects of NIBS on visual functions in human participants with normal vision.<h4>Methods</h4>We followed the PRISMA guidelines, and a review protocol was registered with PROSPERO before study commencement (CRD42021255882). We ...[more]

PMID: 36937668

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Project description:BackgroundIn recent years, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been used for motor function recovery. However, the effects of NIBS in populations with spinal cord injury (SCI) remain unclear. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis of the existing evidence on the effects and safety of NIBS against sham groups for motor dysfunction after SCI to provide a reference for clinical decision-making.MethodsTwo investigators systematically screened English articles from PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library for prospective randomized controlled trials regarding the effects of NIBS in motor function recovery after SCI. Studies with at least three sessions of NIBS were included. We assessed the methodological quality of the selected studies using the evidence-based Cochrane Collaboration's tool. A meta-analysis was performed by pooling the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsA total of 14 randomized control trials involving 225 participants were included. Nine studies used repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and five studies used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The meta-analysis showed that NIBS could improve the lower extremity strength (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.02-1.14, P = 0.004), balance (SMD = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.05-1.24, P = 0.03), and decrease the spasticity (SMD = - 0.64, 95% CI = - 1.20 to - 0.03, P = 0.04). However, the motor ability of the upper extremity in the NIBS groups was not statistically significant compared with those in the control groups (upper-extremity strength: P = 0.97; function: P = 0.56; and spasticity: P = 0.12). The functional mobility in the NIBS groups did not reach statistical significance when compared with the sham NIBS groups (sham groups). Only one patient reported seizures that occurred during stimulation, and no other types of serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionNIBS appears to positively affect the motor function of the lower extremities in SCI patients, despite the marginal P-value and the high heterogeneity. Further high-quality clinical trials are needed to support or refute the use and optimize the stimulation parameters of NIBS in clinical practice.

Dataset Information

Can visual cortex non-invasive brain stimulation improve normal visual function? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical trial registration

Publications

Can visual cortex non-invasive brain stimulation improve normal visual function? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Similar Datasets

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