Transcranial direct current stimulation modulates efficiency of reading processes

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. © 2015 thomson,doruk,mascio,fregni and cerruti.