HD-tDCS improves conflict processing and general behavioral stability

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been employed to enhance executive control (EC), thereby improving cognitive functions and mental health. However, the effects of tDCS on EC remain inconclusive, and the mechanisms involved in its impact on baseline and conflict processing are not well understood. This study applied high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex DLPFC) to investigate the distinct effects of tDCS on baseline and conflict processing. Compared to the sham group, tDCS significantly reduced reaction time variability in both conditions and decreased mean reaction time and error rate in the conflict condition. These findings demonstrate significant enhancements in general behavioral stability and conflict processing respectively. This study demonstrates a significant enhancement of tDCS on EC, elucidating the dual mechanisms of tDCS in modulating the baseline state and EC, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of tDCS intervention on cognitive functions.