# Theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation of fronto-parietal networks: Modulation by mental state

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2020 · $195,000

## Abstract

Abstract
The recent growth of non-invasive brain stimulation has provided new technologies to probe neural function
and treat diverse neuropsychiatric conditions, but much remains to be learned about how stimulation interacts
with brain networks. We will address this question for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a powerful and
flexible type of non-invasive brain stimulation that directly stimulates neurons and can induce persisting effects
and neuroplastic changes which outlast the period of stimulation. We will examine a particular type of TMS,
known as theta burst stimulation (TBS), which induces longer lasting effects than other forms of TMS, making
TBS an important tool for therapeutic applications. While TBS provides relatively focal stimulation, effects on
the brain occur through interconnected networks in ways that are poorly understood. Moreover, stimulation is
highly state-dependent, and the use of TMS in most therapeutic settings, such as the treatment of depression,
leaves mental state uncontrolled. Augmenting TMS by pairing it with psychological interventions is an attractive
idea for improving therapeutic TMS, but the relevant knowledge base is sparse. To address this critical gap,
this exploratory R21 proposal will examine the effects of TBS on specific brain networks and the
interaction between TBS and mental state. We will test the broad hypothesis that when TBS is applied
during a controlled mental state, network changes will be facilitated, compared to stimulation when mental
state is uncontrolled. We will focus on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and the associated fronto-
parietal network (FPN), which subserves cognitive control -- the ability to flexibly adapt and regulate behavior,
an ability known to be impaired in neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression and dementia. We will use
an ‘n-back’ task tapping cognitive control and the FPN. We will comprehensively assess brain activity with
three functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) modalities: blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD)
activation will measure FPN activity with the n-back task, resting state BOLD fMRI will measure connectivity
and resting state arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI will measure cerebral perfusion. TBS will be applied to 40
healthy subjects in 3 conditions, each followed by an fMRI session. Analysis will utilize powerful within-subject
comparisons. In Aim 1, we will show that persisting neural changes induced by TBS to the dlPFC, compared to
TBS to the vertex, will affect the FPN. In Aim 2, we will demonstrate modulation of the effect of dlPFC TBS
administered when subjects are performing the n-back task, compared to when their mental state is
unconstrained. In Aim 3, we will test predictions that n-back performance will improve following TBS to dlPFC,
but not to the cortical vertex, and will improve even more following TBS during n-back performance. Impact:
Results will provide insights into the effect of TMS on the brai...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9983176
- **Project number:** 5R21MH120633-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephan F Taylor
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $195,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9983176

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9983176, Theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation of fronto-parietal networks: Modulation by mental state (5R21MH120633-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9983176. Licensed CC0.

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