Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique able to modulate cortical excitability. This modulation may influence areas and networks responsible for specific cognitive processes, and the repetition of the induced temporary changes can produce long-lasting effects. TMS effectiveness may be enhanced when used in conjunction with cognitive training focused on specific cognitive functions. Playing video games can be an optimal cognitive training since it involves different cognitive components and high levels of engagement and motivation. The goal of this study is to assess the synergistic effects of TMS and video game training to enhance cognition, specifically, working memory and executive functions. We conducted a randomized 2 × 3 repeated measures (stimulation × time) study, randomly assigning 27 healthy volunteers to an active intermittent theta-burst stimulation or a sham stimulation group. Participants were assessed using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery before, immediately after, and 15 days after finishing the video game+TMS training. The training consisted of 10 sessions where participants played a 3D platform video game for 1.5 h. After each gaming session, TMS was applied over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). All participants improved their video gaming performance, but we did not find a synergistic effect of stimulation and video game training. Neither had we found cognitive improvements related to the stimulation. We explored possible confounding variables such as age, gender, and early video gaming experience through linear regression. The early video gaming experience was related to improvements in working memory and inhibitory control. This result, although exploratory, highlights the influence of individual variables and previous experiences on brain plasticity.

中文翻译：

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通过神经调节和视频游戏增强认知：协同效应？

经颅磁刺激 (TMS) 是一种非侵入性脑刺激技术，能够调节皮质兴奋性。这种调制可能会影响负责特定认知过程的区域和网络，而诱发的临时变化的重复可能会产生持久的影响。当与专注于特定认知功能的认知训练结合使用时，TMS 的有效性可能会得到增强。玩电子游戏可能是一种最佳的认知训练，因为它涉及不同的认知成分以及高水平的参与度和动机。本研究的目的是评估 TMS 和视频游戏训练的协同效应，以增强认知，特别是工作记忆和执行功能。我们进行了一项随机的 2 × 3 重复测量（刺激 × 时间）研究，将 27 名健康志愿者随机分配到主动间歇性 theta-burst 刺激或假刺激组。在完成视频游戏 + TMS 训练之前、之后和 15 天后，参与者使用综合神经心理学电池进行评估。培训包括 10 节课，参与者玩了 1.5 小时的 3D 平台视频游戏。每次游戏结束后，将 TMS 应用于右背外侧前额叶皮层 (DLPFC)。所有参与者都提高了他们的视频游戏表现，但我们没有发现刺激和视频游戏训练的协同效应。我们也没有发现与刺激相关的认知改善。我们通过线性回归探索了可能的混杂变量，例如年龄、性别和早期视频游戏体验。早期的视频游戏体验与工作记忆和抑制控制的改善有关。这一结果虽然具有探索性，但强调了个体变量和先前经验对大脑可塑性的影响。