Objective: The neural substrates of cognitive control are distributed across a network of brain regions in which the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) serves as a central hub. The main aims of this study were as follows: (a) to investigate the role of the DLPFC in cognitive control processes when it is modulated by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and (b) to examine its effects on two tasks (the numerical inductive reasoning task and the trail-making test). Method: The present study had N = 40 healthy subjects that were randomly assigned to two groups: n = 20 participants received anodal stimulation, and n = 20 received no stimulation. Results: Results demonstrated that anodal tDCS over the DLPFC significantly modulated cognitive control processes. Participants who received anodal tDCS exhibited reduced response latencies in both tasks compared to pretest and sham stimulation conditions. Conclusions: The present study supports the notion that tDCS can modulate neural activity of the DLPFC, offering potential avenues for cognitive enhancement interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved) This study showed that stimulating a key brain region called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can enhance thinking and problem-solving abilities. Using an electrical technique called transcranial direct current stimulation can improve people’s performance on tasks that test reasoning and mental flexibility. These findings suggested potential benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation for boosting cognitive function in everyday life or clinical settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)
The role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in cognitive control processes: A transcranial direct current stimulation study
Capri' T.
2026-01-01
Abstract
Objective: The neural substrates of cognitive control are distributed across a network of brain regions in which the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) serves as a central hub. The main aims of this study were as follows: (a) to investigate the role of the DLPFC in cognitive control processes when it is modulated by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and (b) to examine its effects on two tasks (the numerical inductive reasoning task and the trail-making test). Method: The present study had N = 40 healthy subjects that were randomly assigned to two groups: n = 20 participants received anodal stimulation, and n = 20 received no stimulation. Results: Results demonstrated that anodal tDCS over the DLPFC significantly modulated cognitive control processes. Participants who received anodal tDCS exhibited reduced response latencies in both tasks compared to pretest and sham stimulation conditions. Conclusions: The present study supports the notion that tDCS can modulate neural activity of the DLPFC, offering potential avenues for cognitive enhancement interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved) This study showed that stimulating a key brain region called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can enhance thinking and problem-solving abilities. Using an electrical technique called transcranial direct current stimulation can improve people’s performance on tasks that test reasoning and mental flexibility. These findings suggested potential benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation for boosting cognitive function in everyday life or clinical settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
