Cognitive, Affective, and Neurophysiological State-Dependency in Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: Implications for Individualized Protocol Design

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), hold great promise for both cognitive enhancement and therapeutic interventions. However, a persistent challenge in the field is the high variability and inconsistency of results across studies, coupled with typically small effect sizes. These limitations have significantly hindered the clinical translation of NIBS protocols.

One promising avenue to overcome these barriers is the investigation of state-dependent mechanisms underlying NIBS efficacy. Accumulating evidence suggests that the effects of NIBS are not fixed but dynamically interact with the ongoing cognitive, affective, and neurophysiological state of the individual at the time of stimulation. For instance, cognitive processes such as working memory, attentional focus, and learning have emerged as critical modulators of NIBS outcomes, underscoring the need to account for these variables in both experimental and clinical settings. Understanding and operationalizing these state-dependent effects could pave the way toward more robust, reliable, and personalized NIBS applications.

This Research Topic aims to gather contributions that advance our understanding of how cognitive, affective, and neurophysiological states modulate the outcomes of NIBS over the adult lifespan. We particularly welcome studies that integrate behavioral assessments, neuroimaging, electrophysiology (e.g., EEG, MEG), and computational modeling to explore these interactions. Experimental, theoretical, and methodological contributions are all encouraged. In addition, we welcome studies involving clinical populations as well as studies encompassing the entire adult lifespan, including older adults.

Topics of interest include:
- Bidirectional state-dependent modulation between NIBS and cognitive processes: how cognitive states influence NIBS effects and, conversely, how NIBS modulates cognitive functions
- The role of cognitive task engagement and cognitive load in shaping NIBS effects
- The role of brain state fluctuations in shaping NIBS outcomes
- Interactions between affective states (e.g., stress, mood) and stimulation efficacy
- Neurophysiological predictors of NIBS responsiveness
- Closed-loop and adaptive NIBS protocols tailored to individual states
- Computational models of state-dependent plasticity in NIBS
- Implications for clinical applications and personalized medicine

By bringing together multidisciplinary perspectives, this Research Topic aims to promote a paradigm shift from static to dynamic, individualized approaches in NIBS research and applications.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), state-dependent effects, cognitive modulation, neurophysiological predictors, personalized neurostimulation, transcranial magnetic/electrical stimulation (TMS/tES)

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.