ArticleWorld journal of psychiatry2025
Effect of theta-transcranial alternating current stimulation on working memory performance among healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Article in World journal of psychiatry, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- The Effects of High-Definition Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (HD-tACS) on Dual-Task Performance and Upper-Limb Multi-Joint Motor Control.Life (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Further insights into the efficacy and moderators of transcranial alternating current stimulation for working memory.World journal of psychiatry · 2026Article
- Haemodynamic correlates of bilateral 6 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation during working memory enhancement revealed by fNIRS.Frontiers in neuroscience · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundWorking memory serves as a fundamental cognitive function that substantially impacts performance in various cognitive tasks. Extensive neurophysiological research has established that theta oscillations (4-8 Hz) play an essential role in supporting working memory operations. Theta-band transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) offers a potential mechanism for working memory enhancement through direct modulation of these fundamental neural oscillations. Nevertheless, current empirical evidence shows substantial variability in the observed effects of theta-tACS across studies.
aimTo conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of theta-tACS on working memory performance in healthy adults.
methodsA systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to March 10, 2025. Effect sizes were computed using Hedges'
resultsThe systematic review included 21 studies (67 effect sizes). Initial meta-analysis showed theta-tACS moderately improved working memory (Hedges'
conclusionTheta-tACS enhances working memory in healthy adults, with effects modulated by the task type and protocol parameters, offering dual implications for cognitive enhancement and clinical interventions.
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