Modulation of visual attention processes by noninvasive electrical brain stimulation

Abstract

Non-invasive transcranial electric stimulation (tES) is a brain stimulation technique capable of modulating cortical excitability that allows linking cognitive processes and brain structures in a causal relationship. In this doctoral thesis project, we propose a serie of experimental studies on different processes related to visual attention. Here we will employ different variants of tES (direct current and alternating current). These studies are based on the model of three attentional networks proposed by Michael Posner and aim to better characterize these networks by complementing it with more recent research paradigms such as inhibitory tagging, the self-attentional network, vigilance components, chronotypes, attentional oscillations, and mind-wandering. Our results show the importance of considering and controlling for individual differences of participants at baseline to predict the effects of these neuromodulation techniques on the attentional system.