Research Paper
Non-invasive brain stimulation enhances working memory in healthy adults: meta-analysis of 117 RCTs
PubMed4/25/2026·04/25/26🌐 Global
Summary
A pre-registered meta-analysis of 117 randomized controlled trials (n=4,981) found that non-invasive brain stimulation — including TMS, tDCS, and tACS — produced a significant but modest improvement in working memory performance (Hedges g=0.38, 95% CI 0.29–0.47). Effects were largest for multi-session tDCS protocols targeting dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Why it matters
The largest NIBS meta-analysis to date provides the strongest evidence yet that non-invasive stimulation can reliably enhance cognition in healthy adults. The dose-response finding for multi-session tDCS gives commercial cognitive enhancement companies a clear protocol target.
#BCI#Non-invasive#TMS#tDCS
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