Dong Linlin, Ke Yufeng, Zhu Xiaodong, Liu Shuang, Ming Dong
Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Research Centre for Neural Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, PR China.
Haihe Laboratory of Brain-Computer Interaction and Human-Machine Integration, Tianjin, PR China.
NPJ Sci Learn. 2025 Apr 2;10(1):16. doi: 10.1038/s41539-025-00309-2.
Mental rotation, a crucial aspect of spatial cognition, can be improved through repeated practice. However, the long-term effects of combining training with non-invasive brain stimulation and its neurophysiological correlates are not well understood. This study examined the lasting effects of a 10-day mental rotation training with high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on behavioral and neural outcomes in 34 healthy participants. Participants were randomly assigned to the Active and Shan groups, with equal group sizes. Mental rotation tests and EEG recordings were conducted at baseline, 1 day, 20 days, and 90 days post-training. Although HD-tDCS showed no significant effect, training led to improved accuracy, faster response times, and enhanced task-evoked EEG responses, with benefits lasting up to 90 days. Notably, task-evoked EEG responses remained elevated 20 days post-training. Individual differences, such as gender and baseline performance, influenced the outcomes. These results emphasize the potential of mental rotation training for cognitive enhancement and suggest a need for further investigation into cognition-related neuroplasticity.
心理旋转是空间认知的一个关键方面，通过反复练习可以得到改善。然而，将训练与非侵入性脑刺激相结合的长期效果及其神经生理学相关性尚未得到充分理解。本研究考察了为期10天的心理旋转训练结合高清经颅直流电刺激（HD-tDCS）对34名健康参与者行为和神经结果的持久影响。参与者被随机分为主动组和假刺激组，两组人数相等。在训练前、训练后1天、20天和90天进行心理旋转测试和脑电图记录。虽然HD-tDCS没有显示出显著效果，但训练导致准确性提高、反应时间加快以及任务诱发的脑电图反应增强，这些益处可持续长达90天。值得注意的是，任务诱发的脑电图反应在训练后20天仍保持升高。个体差异，如性别和基线表现，会影响结果。这些结果强调了心理旋转训练对认知增强的潜力，并表明需要进一步研究与认知相关的神经可塑性。
