title: Transcranial direct current stimulation modulates efficiency of reading processes.
abstract: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory technique that offers promise as an investigative method for understanding complex cognitive operations such as reading. This study explores the ability of a single session of tDCS to modulate reading efficiency and phonological processing performance within a group of healthy adults. Half the group received anodal or cathodal stimulation, on two separate days, of the left temporo-parietal junction while the other half received anodal or cathodal stimulation of the right homologue area. Pre- and post-stimulation assessment of reading efficiency and phonological processing was carried out. A larger pre-post difference in reading efficiency was found for participants who received right anodal stimulation compared to participants who received left anodal stimulation. Further, there was a significant post-stimulation increase in phonological processing speed following right hemisphere anodal stimulation. Implications for models of reading and reading impairment are discussed.
authors: Harvard Graduate School of Education Cambridge, MA, USA.
authors: Jennifer M
authors: JM
authors: Thomson
authors: Spaulding Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA.
authors: Deniz
authors: D
authors: Doruk
authors: Harvard Graduate School of Education Cambridge, MA, USA.
authors: Bryan
authors: B
authors: Mascio
authors: Spaulding Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA.
authors: Felipe
authors: F
authors: Fregni
authors: Harvard Graduate School of Education Cambridge, MA, USA.
authors: Carlo
authors: C
authors: Cerruti
keywords: neuromodulation; phonological processing; reading efficiency; tDCS; temporoparietal junction